There was a good atmosphere for big games when Maine Road was full. It figures that more people will have better memories. Standing on a packed terrace was totally different from sitting in the main stand or Platt Lane that were notoriously quiet.
I started watching from the scoreboard end. The ground was half empty more times than full and you could often take an umbrella to keep off the rain without obstructing anyone's view. When it became the all seater North stand, I moved to the Kippax. It was still all standing and payment was through the turnstyle so you could watch as a group of friends and create an atmosphere but there was plenty of space in parts. This was about the only thing better at Maine Road.
Generally I'd say the experience when the Etihad is bouncing is as good if not better than Maine Road but the package and game has moved on. I would not want to return to the primitive conditions when watching games at Maine Road. The big issue at the Etihad is the lack of infrastructure and facilities around the ground where groups can meet before and after games. Going straight to seats where you sit isolated creates spectators rather than supporters.