Originally Posted by Rdkopper

That's what they've been for a while now with or without Richie. The problem is, we have a front-man who is struggling vocally, who is also slowing down physically. Even if Richie was to return, I don't think he could wave his magic guitar and poof, it's 2005 again. Richie's got his own issues now and although it would make all the fans feel warm & whole again, once people get adjusted, they'll find a whole slew of things to complain about.

I think if anything, Richie being gone gets the rest of the guys off auto-pilot.