Seems like there's this weird concensus that if Fishman is yelling stuff or the band is repeatedly teasing something that it takes a show to the next level.

In 1998? Yes, most definitely. But as it happens more frequently, it starts to feel gimmicky. You know what would REALLY make Phish sound like they were engaged in their music and invested in their future as a band? More segments like Waves -> Undermind -> Steam where they go "Hey, people might not know these songs so well but they'll fit together perfectly and make for a great set"

The concept of the SET seems to be flickering on occasion. One night, everything will tie together perfectly, the next it's like they draw straws for the first 6-7 songs and then roll the "IIC/Encore" roulette wheel to find out which 3 encore songs to play in the 2nd set and which 2 to save for the actual encore.

The individual highlights- from 20 minute DWDs to added/altered solos in Mound & Farmhouse have been incredibly impressive, but in all honesty we're seeing very little in the way of cohesive sets of music this year. I'm curious about this other audience that exists and writes Phish loves letters for playing their 18 favorite songs in the 2nd set

This set looks like PNC II..Plus Golgi, Sleep, Caspian, Buffalo Bill, Makisupa & Zero.