I was at PopRecs for LIFE last week and it was immense but made my ears hurt in a way I haven't experienced often. Louder than any gig I've been to in the last couple of years IMO, and I've been to some loud ones. Took a couple of days for my ears to recover to normal-ish and hoping there isn't any permanent damage. Weirdly, however, the others I was with didn't seem to suffer as much. Maybe my ears are fucked now. I certainly regretted not bringing ear plugs.I noticed bands aren't anywhere as loud as they used to be and I mentioned it to my mate who works in environmental health etc. Apparently its to do with something like the 'noise at work' act (I cant remember its proper name!)
Essentially people who work at gigs, roadies, bar staff etc have a right to be protected.
I personally think its much better, seen too many bands loud for loud sake.