The overwhelming crowds issue gets worse and worse every year. I think it's a factor of now having 3 ticketed stadiums, less matches in Ashe, and selling way too many grounds passes. The first week feels like Labor Day weekend, and that weekend is now just a complete zoo.
Mixed matches account for maybe a quarter of the courts for the long weekend which helped smooth things out as well. Less matches in both stadiums (earlier in the week) contribute to masses out on the grounds earlier in the day. Less matches in stadiums means names on smaller courts too.
While it seemed "off" at the time, having the men's first round go Mon-Wed was a better way to do things. Meant that, in addition to mixed, there were more singles matches still going during the middle weekend. Maybe it's time for Legends Doubles like other Slams have.
They pushed the doubles back hoping that 1st round losers would enter but I don't think that happened. Feels like a much longer but watered down slam with the expanded fan week etc. With Cinci 10 days there is no anticipation either. Will be an issue when non-fans stop going.
From what I could tell, their hopes for men's doubles did not materialize. Probably because everyone is exhausted from the summer hard court season. And may have Davis Cup prep/travel. They've gone nuts with Fan Week. So long as qualies are free, local fans will come. Rest should go except AA Day.