There's nothing special about him, but as a temporary replacement he gets the job done. I found it was more about what was missing (Richie's stage presence, harmonies, etc.) than it was about what Phil brought to the table.

Have you seen them in Munich?

I think this is very much the case. In the early shows which featured RYH, Phil did his signature guitar spin, but that seems to be off the menu. He could do it during KTF but doesn't, so I guess with the respect issue, "Philling in" and lack of spotlighting, there must have been some boundaries agreed. It may be that he has decided to curb his natural flamboyance a bit so as not to fuel the fire more.. "Who does he think he is?" etc

Every guitar player in the world dreams of playing killer music on a grand stage for thousands. (I've been Pete Townshend for decades, every time I crash the A chord). The major shows on the horizon will be hugely exciting for him to consider, but he is living with the spectre that it could all end in a heartbeat....

I've been a Phil X fan for a couple of years now, not exclusively, but enjoyed his exuberance and skills, (Big Banana, Powder, FA, and The Drills, even seen them live). I enjoy Richies dry sense of humour (Brit style), I don't like Pete Townshends ego or GOM demeanour but whenever any of them sling the guitar over their shoulder I'm in!
Music (of a certain style) excites me, enervates me, makes me smile and feel alive.

Whatever you say, Phil has enabled this tour, (others could, but he got the call) 24 gigs in, Copenhagen could be the last, Manchester could be the last etc etc. if he doesn't make $1m there's little justice....