I am not uncritical, and will admit that the headliners are seriously underwhelming this year. That said, this is a deep lineup with very little filler. I might be most excited about the bands in the third tier: Frankie & the Witch Fingers, Margo Cilker, Kassi Valazza, and Tobacco City are all going to be rad. Beyond that, Built to Spill and the UK jazz acts (Sons of Kemet, Nubya Garcia, Emma-Jean Thackray) have me fired up.
Regardless, Pickathon is mostly about the experience. Without exaggeration, it is unlike any other festival I have ever been to. Everything is designed so well, amazing food and beverage, no price gouging, all of the little details attended to. We have taken our daughters every year since they were 7 or so, camping on the farm all weekend. I'll typically see 20-25 bands over the course of the weekend, all at close range. I have discovered so many great bands for the first time at Pickathon, before they gained a wider audience. The lineup never blows you away up front, but you always go home with 3-5 of your favorite new bands. Underrated curation in my opinion.