I was there on Saturday, close to the point where most of the aircraft, including 558, started their take-off. It was the best take-off I recollect seeing, including all the ones I saw in the 70s and 80s (it helped to see that manoeuvre from behind - it doesn't look quite as impressive form the side).
I agree about the displays in general - up until this year they have been quite low key compared to the old days but they do seem to be pushing the envelope a little now that the end is near.
I live very close to Finningley and see many of the take-offs and you can always tell when Kev Rumens is at the controls as he tends to do the more spirited take-offs and certainly the more dramatic wing-overs and he was the pilot on Saturday (except during the formation with the Reds when Bill Ramsay took over).
It would be interesting to know if a different pilot displayed on Sunday and how the take-off compared.