I enjoyed the one show I went to at Echostage. It was Sasha. I haven't been there when it's been packed, so I can't comment there. It's a decent venue, high ceilings, lots of dance space and a great sound system. Why hate it?
Personally, if one IMP venue had to bite the dust, I'd pick the Lincoln Theater. The upstairs sound, sight and seats all suck. I'd go back if I could buy a reserved seat. This get there super early to get a seat and then wait hours to see the band nonsense sucks. I've already passed on 5 shows I'd see at other venues because they were at the Lincoln.
DAR is great sight, sound, and seat wise, but they need to allow drinks in the seats. If they don't, I'll probably continue to pass on shows there too.