FJs are popular because of their raw power, speed, noise, carrots, aeros etc. However, despite being a bit of a closet airshow fanatic myself, I find displays such as RIAT a little bit wearing. Having watched FJs do aeros for about 8 hrs, seeing yet another FJ from some random country do another aeros sequence and having my ears blasted for another 10 minutes just loses its edge.
The things that I think stand out, and certainly get me interested are:
An old big piston prop, Harvard, Spitfire etc, doing a nice display, with blade tips going supersonic making that great noise without rupturing your eardrums.
A Hunter running in fast at low level with its Blue Note ringing out, then pulling some G and putting a bit of condensation over the upper surface.
Concorde standing on the brakes in full reheat making your fillings fall out. Alas, never to be seen or heard again.
Large Russian transport aircraft of various types having minor emergencies.
BUT, the one that beats them all has to be the mighty Wokka. Have you seen this year's Chinny display - it kicks ass!
My humble opinion, of course.