So, are we resurrecting the original thread, or starting it fresh here? Let's get some D in here.

In my awesome dream world, that 75% would have naturally shrunk over time. That's the same place where CD came out in 2001 and we've already got at least two more albums.
Yeah, I had smoked last night when I started this line of thought.

I get what you're saying, but putting aside my enjoyment of Robin's playing style, I think over time Axl could have just had Fortus/Bumble up front on the classic stuff, and still made good use of Robin for collab and the newer (at the time) stuff.

Either way, the world of GNR is a world of what-ifs, unfortunately.

I firmly believe Robin could've been that guy. He meshed well with Axl's edgy side, and allowed him to express the extremes of his emotions in a new way. One that let Axl move on from the sleaze that was Appetite and the bombast that was UYI into electronica and sampling and controlled chaos and heavy layering. If he hadn't left the first time, I think things may have turned out very differently.

I'm already sick of people talking about Axl like he's Lord Voldemort or something.  Steven started it and drove into the ground all in one interview, it was all worn out before I actually finished reading it the first time. Dear media: quit being retarded, use his name.
I can see how in some cases the media itself perpetuates these things to present themselves as legit insiders.