It's so funny to me that 22 was so hated and that was my first real time going to the event. I went to earlier ones but didn't do much because I was younger. 2012 was my first time doing every house, going multiple nights, and getting sucked into the HHN world. For me walking up to the front porch of Dead End is where I feel in love with the event and knew I was hooked. But I do understand why people who were aboard the train before me would look down on it, if I'm being honest it wasn't close the best of my soon to be 5 years going (looking at you 24) but nostalgia puts a rose tint on things.
My worst year would be 23, still enjoyed but man I didn't like Resident Evil and HATED Havoc.