I'm not sure how I missed this, but I disagree.The start of this season saw a huge number of rides closed, last season during Fright Nights there were lots of days with five (or more) rides shut, and in general there is usually at least one ride closed all day (usually Slammer) and various other breakdowns - which do happen, but they shouldn't happen as much as they do at Thorpe.
With regards to Merlin having good opening hours, during October Halloween events they do, but the rest of the time I disagree with that, especially at Alton Towers where the opening hours are dismal.
Of course I enjoy these parks, I enjoy the rides and various other things about them which is why it frustrates me so much to see them operating so poorly, and whilst as a MAP holder I can just go back if I have a poor experience, the GP cannot and I don't think I have had more than five days in total at Merlin parks which I would have considered good value for money had I been paying even half price for entry.
As for people telling me not to visit this summer with the poor opening times, I'm not...
... I'm at BPB instead, 8pm close everyday!