Happy birthday Axl!  You have brought a lot of people happiness and joy throughout the world with your music and melodies.  I hope that you find happiness and a peace of mind that you seem to be searching for.

Um back to the topic at hand, I think Axl could have gained legitimacy for the 2001 version of the band if let's say he gave an interview--say in 2000--explaining Buckethead's arrival and how he is different from Slash.  For example, he could have gave this answer:

Unfortunately Slash left the band but we think that Buckethead will add a different dimension to the music we are creating.  He will not replace Slash as Slash's legacy will remain in his accomplishments with the old band.  Buckethead has a diverse musical style that is all his own and distinct.  He is a central component of what we are trying to do.  For our fans we provide these samples of Buckethead for them to judge and enjoy for themselves. (link to mp3s of Buckethead demos with GNR or solo work)

Something like this would have helped the casual fans realize that this was not just the Axl Rose solo project but an actual functioning band.  It would have taken some of the weight and pressure off Axl's shoulders as well.  It would have also prepped the fans for the different sound and look of the band in 2002 when they went on the VMA's and the subsequent tour.

Now, flash forward to the current times, GNR will not be doing a major tour in the US.  It is just not economically feasible for tour promoters in this current economical climate.  Tour promoters want a sure thing, which means a proven product.  Roth fronted VH, AC/DC, Metallica, and U2 all fall into this category.  Only a reunited GNR would attract any major dollars in the current climate.  Let's call this the familiarity factor.  I could foresee a few new GNR shows in Europe though as they seem to be more open to the new Gunz as opposed to the US.

That Doritos one in the first half was especially bad.

Yep.  One of the key plays was PIT converting  a 3rd and 10 from inside their 20yd line and the obvious play with Francisco falling down and allowing Holmes to gain a bunch of RAC yards down to the five yard line.

I think there were a bit too many penalties for this be known as a classic though. The most comparable game to this one would be the Pats-Panthers super bowl from about five years ago.  This game has nothing on SB 25 (sorry James!) or the Packers-Broncos super bowl from 11 yrs ago.  I don't know whether or not this was better than last year's though.  The defense played last year was far better/

I remember one of the first times I started watching wrestling was in 1992.  They showed Ric Flair vs Bret Hart for the WWF title in Canada somewhere.  After they showed the match--with Bret winning the title--they went back to the studio and showed Mr. Perfect and Bobby Heenan making excuses for Flair.  I think they said he was sick and shouldn't have been out there. 

NY Giants82, do you remember who hosted that show?  I think it was Gorilla Monsoon and Heenan.  But I think Lord Alfred might have had a role in the show as well.