The more opinions the better.
As someone who has been a VIP guest I'd agree that the extra money is not worth it, especially if you're on a budget. The fact that I had CLEAN toilets with no queues next to the main stage was amazing (i have a higher need to poop while drinking beer), but other than that rest of the benefits were not that impressive. As I'm staying in Splash (old VIP) camping anyway, I have opted out of VIP tickets this year as toilets over there are OK as well and this specific camping is actually very close to the main stage. The fact that this year they've added premium toilets to more areas than just main stage is a bit tempting, but naaah, I'll survive.
Camping on-site vs. city is pretty simple;
- if you're there just for the line-up, stay in the city.
- if you're there for the festival and the experience that comes with it, camp at the festival. You'll be missing out if you need to travel to the festival every god damn day. There's so much more going on during times that are not part of the schedule. The atmosphere is amazing and it becomes a city on its own. + the fact that you don't have to carry a bag and back-up clothes with you the whole day is a comfort that's important for me. Hell, I can go and have a quick shower between bands if I'm at the island.