Here's the solution to that problem: develop good taste. I never have any problem getting great seats at a reasonable price to see acts ranging from Marshall Crenshaw to Don Williams. I saw Beatlegras from the 5th row Saturday night, and I just picked up third row tickets at face value off the Ticketmaster site to see Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer doing their Spinal Tap Unplugged show in April. There's even a site here in Dallas (stubdog.com) where you can buy tickets to a lot of local plays for half-price.
Just develop some taste and you'll never fork over $500 to watch Britney Spears lip-synch or Carrie Underwood desecrate country music ever again.
Here's the solution to that problem: develop good taste. You can say that again. I saw Rod Picot and Amanda Shires Saturday night for $8.00 a ticket and I was ten feet from the stage. One of the best shows I've ever seen. And then after the show I sat and chatted with them for half an hour in a bar next to the venue.
Anybody who loves good singer/songwriters should do themselves a favor and check out Rod Picot.