Yes-the scene HAS changed a great deal. This is not the 80's anymore, and you DO need to compromise in order to make the cash. Remember too that Axl and Slash are used to a certain lifestyle thanks to huge success. But for ME as a GNR fan (and I know I'll piss some people off by saying this-but I don't give a fuck), making ONE new album in 12 fucking years is just  RIDICULOUS. It's unacceptable. I don't care about inner turmoil, legalities, or any of that CRAP. Alot of it is just excuses. Bumblefoot and Co. surely want to make more NEW music-it's all a part of being a musician. What-are we going to have to wait another decade for another new GNR album?   This new lineup must feel like a glorified COVER BAND at the moment. Can you blame them? And my opinion of 'Chinese Democracy' is: it's a good record (not a GREAT record)...but is it TRULY 'GNR'??? Nope. It is more of an Axl Rose solo album IMHO. With all the sequencing, sampling, million and one vocal tracks, super polished sound etc, etc.-'GNR' have lost what was their signature sound and style: fucking no-holds-barred HARD ROCK & ROLL. Sure-a real 'reunion' just is NOT in the cards-thanks to all the bad blood. But this does not mean the NEXT album can't be more like what we the fans loved about the GNR sound. We don't need another album with 6 'epic's' on it. I know ALOT of GNR fans feel the same way...but then you have the hard-heads out there who would love ANYHTING Axl did-even if it was a smokin' turd that was able to play a new MP3 by him... hey Axl-stop trying to reinvent the WHEEL-give us a taste of what you are truly capable of...raw, powerful, sleazy, LOUD and energetic hard ROCK!:mosh: