Without TV coverage it’s highly unlikely it would have become anywhere near as big as it has.
It wouldn’t have required so many staff or as much infrastructure. The demographic would be very different and wouldn’t demand or think they “need” the world’s biggest stars.
Continuing as it was certainly was an option, although the super fence was needed, which kinda illustrates why it would have been fine, we didn’t need to TV to tell us what to attend.
Personal experience tells me that just as much, if not more, fun can be had at smaller events, they’re certainly more comfortable.
Big acts aren’t necessarily better. Try some of the smaller events and be surprised as the headliner you’ve never heard of “blows your mind”
I’ve said before, but an “out of control monster” has been created and there’s no obvious way to put it back in its box:
Re Glastonbury getting almost uncontrollably big, I often think “just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean you should”
Getting tickets close to the fest is never an issue. I do think they won't be as cheap as usual this year but it will still be possible to grab them. There are always people who's plans change last minute.