totally agree...Richie's guitar playing had some special qualities that add sth special to most songs...bed of roses...the lick before the last chorus...phil hasnt once nailed it...the make a memory solo...richies approach is far better imo...these days...richies chops make the song better...
Richie nowdays maybe isnt that great technically but his playing has a mojo, bluesy laid back timing and phrasing that made it unique and special.
its unfair for phil but Richie is part of Bj phil x even if he does a good job is more a cover band member technically skilled but missing certain qualities to take the songs higher. it looks like a replacement and not a new chapter