@eggcream's friend said:

This particular piece sound's intelligent but behind the cosmetic literacy of the writing, there's so much underlying ignorance, particularly with regard to the Dead's side of the discussion, that its really a silly premise.

@eggcream - I'm not going to respond to your friend - his errors of comprehension, comparison, and analysis are too big and serious to make it worthwhile. It seems that (like other people in this thread) he thinks I'm pissing on the Dead; that evidently offends him in what's pretty clearly an ego-bruising way, hence the boring ad hominems he's spewing in place of argument, which are uncalled for even where they aren't factually inaccurate.

I didn't wish to make anyone feel bad with this post, though - as I've said over and over in a variety of ways, I've got nothing against the Dead. They really were a unique and powerful band and I've developed a great fondness for 'em. (The 2/13/70 Dark Star was the first music I played for my infant son; I didn't make the choice glibly.) In any case, thank your friend for sharing his obvious enthusiasm, however possessive it might be.

@kevinarehollo - I can try to respond later to your latest comment but I think your last two paragraphs outline an essential, insurmountable difference or distance between us on this matter. I'm not sure whether I can convince you, here - or even what I'd be convincing you of. So for the moment I'll bow out. It's been swell, but there's a lot else to do.