Yup, I agree.

This album once again proves that music is no zero sum game.

I'm sure if Richie was given his album with the task to play guitar on it, perhaps tweak some solos or even some melodies; sing backing vocals and do what he normally does on the more recent albums, it would've been some incremental improvements. However, if Richie was still in the band, Jon probably doesn't suffer as much pain, and some of these songs don't get written. So in some ways, this makes me happier about Richie's departure.

I'd be just as happy if Richie is just as successful in realizing his creative force and makes a renaissance record of his own. Can't say I'm overly optimistic given recent RSO performances, but I also thought Bon Jovi should retire and yet Jon proved he has still left plenty in the tank, at least album-wise.