That's very true Sid, and that's what put me off being in the crowd for years.
However, I took a chance at one gig and got a place at the front row and now as far as I'm concerned it's the ONLY place to be! You have the barrier in front which enables you to push back, if things get a bit hairy. You have security right in front, and they're able to pass you water or give you a hand if you need it! They'll also be popping up and down off the pedastals to warn people in the crowd if they're going a bit OTT. Plus, if the crowd surges forward, you have something in front of you to stop you falling on your nose! If you're 5, 6, 10, rows back, it can be really a lot rougher (in my experience anyway).
Queueing up for hours isn't the hardest part. The worst bit is when the doors open and the inevitable happens - people who missed hours of q-ing run ahead and get a spot in front of you... that can be really disheartening... and it happens a bit so keep that in mind.