I agree about the Lolla performance, it was wince inducing at times. They just seem to always be subject to temperament. When they are on, they are transcendental, but when they are off, well... it hurts.
I saw them at the Ventura Theater in Ventura Ca for the BMF tour, and it was just insanely good. They were on point, muscular, enthusiastic about the new material. Kim was smiling ear to ear the whole time, and he was having fun messing with the sour puss security at the front of the stage.
I also saw them in NYC for the Superunknown tour, and that was off the charts. Big crowd, and they gave a powerful performance.
The next time was in San Diego for their final tour before breaking up, and they were awful. Ben threw a tantrum and Chris sounded like crap. Clearly the tension in the band about the difference in directions of the music was taking it's toll, and they looked like they were working at some dead end job. Down on the upside felt lackluster too, so it was not so sad a thing to me when they broke up finally. It had run it's course.
I saw the reunion show in Vegas, it was pretty good, not top notch. It lagged in places, but hit on others.
I guess I'll go on a limb and say out loud that Chris and Ben both are a bit diva-ish, and that's not uncommon for artists and especially singers. With them, for me, it doesn't get to the point that I dislike the whole package because of it, but I can see when it affects their performance. Chris clearly was having more fun when I saw him on solo tour. He got really pissed when people kept shouting for SG material though LOL!
In reference to Kim's playing, agreed, it's "unique". I don't necessarily judge on technical ability and musical theory yada yada, especially when it comes to rock. Feel means a lot more. Keith Richards is no shredder, but it's more than that. KIm I feel is the same way, it comes from the heart, not the head, and no need to impress the Juilliard Arms Crossed At The Back Of The Venue types. I think his staccato leads complement the music perfectly. I'd rather listen to him than Satriani type stuff. The musical mastery of that type of Guitar God music lacks the raw punch and feel of less technically gifted guitarists, at least for me.
Lastly for Matt, all I can say is maybe his time with PJ watered down the drive? He's an incredible and educated drummer. But PJ and SG are two different world's apart. He's going to need to get back up to speed.