Yes there was a major crowd gathered more than an hour before opening time. I was helping on the registration desk and it was hard work
I know how frustrating it is when you have to queue, but the problem is, to avoid queues you either have to mail out badges in advance or you have to have many check-in computers and operators, and both options cost money.
The idea of the show is for it to be free for pre-registered visitors and low-cost for exhibitors. If you increase the costs, one or both of those things have to change. A fiver for faster entry through the door, or free to enter but a 20 minute queue?
Cheers...