You're right, sorry, I did misinterpret you. I too have
always thought the Stones had the option of touring
to huge young crowds if they set the price point
right, and in fact early on it was my guess that that
was exactly what they'd do. Go out in a blaze of
glory rather than greenbacks.

And who knows, perhaps that was their first choice.
There were actual news stories in 2011/2012 that
sponsored festivals with relatively cheap tickets
would form the backbone of the 50th festivities.

Maybe there just weren't enough sponsors. Or maybe
Keith was just not strong enough to pack in a whole
lot of action in 2012. Or maybe Mick just likes the
concept of bringing this 50-year-long product cycle
to a close as an ultra-premium brand.

Most likely, Mick watched what McCartney was doing
and recognized it was the best option for the Stones,
all things considered.

It will be interesting to see whether if even the
mighty U2 chooses to downsize/upmarket next time
in similar fashion (which would give Bruce the
deserved honor of Last True Classic Rock World
Tour. I say "deserved" not because I'm a big Bruce fan,
I'm not, but he does clearly work harder than
anybody else)