I have easily been to over 500 gigs in the last 15 years . I used to love loud music, ringing in my ears, etc - but after wearing ear plugs I really appreciate how good they are .... you can hear everything BETTER than without. Then again my ear plugs were £80!
I wouldnt rule out using them thats for sure. Maybe as i grow older i will find the need to use them and after the way you have described them Marowak i think i'll give them a go if it doesnt reduce the sound quality. The Proidigy at Bridlington Spa a few years back was mental for the loudness. It took me 3 tunes for my ears to adjust to the sound )
You get a better sound with earplugs. Too loud and your ears attenuate the sound anyway. Loudest band? Gotta be Moterhead at Brunel . They were using a stadium sized rig in the refectory. We had to be pealed of the back wall! )