I know what you mean but keep in mind that he was there at a moments notice the second time. He's had to put up with plenty of haters that will hate his guts just for the fact that he's in Richie's rightful spot on stage. He's had to learn a shitload of songs in a relatively short amount of time. He's recorded with the band. Has he been there as long?? No he hasn't, but 2 tours, and 60+ songs later, yeah he's earned his place.....