A lot of people talk as if Richie was on top of his game when he left. Let’s not forget he was far from it, even though he was OK by his 2013 standards. I don’t think he would save the show, because since 2006 his voice went downhill as well, and he was no longer the “leading backing voice” anymore. That was Bobby. So it wouldn’t make much diference today when it comes to backing up Jon’s vocals. As for guitar playing, of course his style is the right one for Bon Jovi, but he had become a very sloppy guitar player by then. I’d say the last time Richie stole the show with his playing was on Any Other Day in 2007 at the O2 Arena.