As someone who canna get to Pittodrie much these days I don't know what it's like anymore, but I do remember the crowd getting behind the team when performances encouraged them (good and bad). I'm sure I remember a game against Killi (I think) in 95(?) when we were on the verge of relegation, we didn't win but the crowd were marvelous. What I'm trying to say is given the right situation the crowd will respond.
Standing areas? Good idea, in fact great idea IMO. I'd be in there for sure (at least until I'm as decrepit ad DD). Whether it's at Kingsford or elsewhere. (I do believe that 100% anti-anything-dons has got his high-horse and fun-book-of-no back out again, oh goodie! MIN)
None of that addresses the Ultras issue I know, which is really my position. I don't know if they're good, bad or insignificant to the club. "Forced" fun never works IMHO, it needs to be spontaneous!