I also think the ticketing system is great, but it looks like Next is adopting service charges from the traditional ticketing industry. It's a bummer to see such a non-customer friendly practice like that tacked on to an innovative idea.
We do that because of Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) makes tipping difficult if you charge ahead... or if you want to share revenue with cooks.
Also, Nick, if you're still reading -- do you think that the prepurchase model materially affects people's spending on e.g. upgrades and drinks? My wife and I did Alinea & Aviary on November, and I was definitely happier to spend a little more given that the original "purchase" was so many paychecks in the past.