Mets x2 for 3 last years at least
NIN did an outstanding show. One more time for KISS. That is much better than repeats of Scorpions (was just terrible in 2022), JP, FFDP, AC, MH the last 3 years. With addition of FF and QotSA - just impressive. Plus, I see only 1 TOP level headliner at 2024... with HF I can see 2 for the same year.
Werchter move is a great thing indeed. We also noticed the direction and actually like, because Werchter is POP+Rock(and a little metal). HF is metal + rock that is a perfect combination for me. You still have 2 ONLY metal stages - ALTAR + TEMPLE. Don't like MGK - don't go - there are options Gorgoroth and Bloodbath playing the same time + Rancid. The band I don't know not at the announcement - Shanka Ponk did a great show that would have been a terrible miss.
I can agree, if we count there can be more mid size bands on GMM, but to see them all you need to do 50-60 sets... I usually do around 35-40 for 4 days. That still gives me what to see anyway. HF usually brings a lot of new/small bands in the morning that are usually skipped. But it tries to deliver gems like this year Pain of Salvation (never at GMM as I know) or tries but fails like Incubus or Infectious Grooves.
About staying alive - there is not much difference with GMM - 1.30h: 10.30-02 and 11.30-1.30. Just come later. I'll not speak about HF bonuses like bringing own bear to concert area or shopping mall in 5 mins from the camping.
PS I got lucky with 3 last year passes for HF and never wanted to exchange to GMM. This year I'm unlucky and wait for festival lineups to decide either pay for HF resale or buy a ticket to a different festival probably Tons of Rock as GMM seems to be a much repeat of 2023.