This is truly a matter of perspective, I think...
As FK said - most of these bands don't come to our countries every year. In my case, most of these bands have NEVER toured the US (Rage), aside from one-off festivals (Primal Fear, Gamma Ray), or haven't toured here since the '80s (Running Wild). With a lineup like this, I'll be at Wacken next year no doubt, come hell or high water.
You also have to remember that they don't announce any of the "smaller" bands until much later on - as I found out from talking to Twisted Tower Dire, who WILL play at Wacken 2003. You may just get your share of '80s underground heroes. So a Dark Starr, Valhalla, or Slauter Xstroyes booking may be possible yet.
As for the Classic Metal Fest - I would've gone this year if I hadn't been saving up for Wacken. When you get right down to it, why party with two hundred people when you can party with 30,000 from all over the world?
PS - I love Manilla Road as much as any self-respecting underground metalhead, but you gotta admit...the new one SUCKS hard.