My experience at the Murphysboro rally wasn’t that different than yours.
One thing that you missed, that we didn’t, were the dozens of Bost campaign volunteers who were everywhere while we were in line. Since you didn’t arrive until 4, I’d guess that they had already entered to hangar by then. They continually walked the huge line, talking to everyone, and providing a means to sign up to volunteer for his campaign.
I’m happy to hear that the President stopped and spoke to the outside crowd. They actually opened the gate, and started screening folks at noon, instead of the advertised 1:30. I’ve heard estimates of 7-10,00 in attendance. I’m glad you were able to make it out of that ditch, we saw quite a few cars parked down there when we were on our way out.
Ah, well, that's good to hear! Too bad they didn't set up a little booth or something, where even post-rally people could stop in. Provide hot chocolate after the rally and they'd be swamped!
Was any effort for other local candidates visible, earlier on? P.S. We have an Outback w/ good snow tires on it: I think it'll go through just about anything if you don't exceed it's ground clearance. :-)