I'm a big big Sambora Fan too and I have to admit: The more I think about the Richie I saw in 2014 the more I'm asking myself what has happend to this man. The Richie Sambora I saw in 2012 was an authentic, likeable musician who enjoyed finally being his own leader again. The Richie Sambora I saw in 2014 seemed to be a completely replaced person. There was no intersection between these two men I saw although it's the same man! He pretends that "dirty" rock'n'roll man but I don't think he still is. I enjoyed the concerts in 2014 because of the extended solos and the "edges" in the music but his appearances marks a lot of questions and a bitter taste. He was really sloppy. For example: I love Seven years gone but the live version never really touched me.
The Richie in 2012 was more convincing because he was authentic.