I think technically you're supposed to be in line and the wrist bands just show who's where and keeps people from "saving" spots for their friends (i.e., 1 guy gets up at 6:30 then 5 or 6 show up and hop in with him at 7:45). But I've seen scalpers jump in and out, walk around to talk to their scalper friends, even walk down the street toward Holiday Inn, then come back and as long as they have their band (they are numbered) the "Line Ushers" let them back in.
So I guess maybe it's more to the side of "technically" you
don't have to wait in line since the wrist bands are numbered. But my guess is that if dozens of people show up until they get a wrist band, then walk down to Holiday Inn for breakfast and show back up at 7:55, then there might be some trouble...
Plus there is usually a Sherrif standing around, both inside and outside. And while the "ushers" seem pretty lenient (sp?), he isn't. I've seen him kick a few people out of line this year and last. I think one guy (a scalper, as usual) got in line and got a wrist band @ his proper place, then went to the back of the then current line and got another wrist band for that spot. So while he was in line close to the front, then got his tickets (but the line was still growing behind him) he tried to got back in line at the place he got his 2nd wrist band (since they are numbered) so he wouldn't have to go to the very back of the then existing line ...but people in line didn't have it obviously, so the wrist bands help, but I believe you are still supposed to stay in line. They help keep cutters from inserting themselves into line more than meant to allow everyone else to leave and return. At least that's my take on what the 'spirit' of the wrist bands are.
I guess the short answer would have been, "ask someone there who knows and they'll be able to do better than my 'half asleep. morning ramblings.'"