In response to OP's...
Reason 1: I honestly feel that ensuring the second floor of the con and other ground-floor areas to badge-only con goers is a plus. As someone who doesn't really go to panels much, it makes me feel more like my ticket is worth it, and that I am not wasting my money. I paid for the con, it's organization, and events. Why should those who don't pay a cent get to enjoy the same experience as I do for free? It just doesn't make sense. You pay for a ticketed event, you get to enjoy it. Anyone can stand outside a stadium to enjoy a concert for free, but no one is allowed inside the stadium to roam the doorways and hallways, enjoy concessions, purchase merchandise, use the facilities and bathrooms for free.
Reason 2: Paying $85 for the full weekend is kinda on you, buddy. My friends and I paid in advanced and paid $65. I know that $85 is definitely and increase, but as the attendee numbers grow and the convention strives to improve, that's something to be expected. Even then, Fanime tickets for this year started off at $55; the price increases and their scheduled dates were posted on the website ahead of time for all to see. With good planning and organization, getting badges ahead of time and at a cheaper rate shouldn't be a problem.
I agree that one day badge prices are ridiculous, however. Their expensiveness is definitely a great way of getting attendees to purchase the full weekend badge as it is cheaper per day. However, I don't think Fanime realizes how much this method is deterring people who want to go but are literally only able to go for one day from attending the convention. If these one day badge prices continue to rise, the number of attendees for certain days may decline.
I also agree on the whole production value/level of Fanime. I don't expect an Anime Expo, but I do expect guests of equal if not (should be) higher levels as that of SacAnime's. Sacanime is a much smaller amd much cheaper convention, however the majority of the guests they get are much more interesting and tantalizing than a majority of Fanime's guests.
Even so, this year's fanime felt better than last year's, and my friends and I are definitely staying the full weekend and getting a hotel room.