Nice review. Maybe you can link to your criteria in future reviews?

I agree with the above-average conclusion. They were tight all night, on fire for most of the second set, there were quite a few interesting improv sections, and lots of rarities played well. I think this might be my favorite end to end show of the tour after the obvious (MPP2, Randall's 3).

Since we're all going meta here lately: I like your summation of different fans, and I want to suggest yet another perspective on shows. Personally I tend to see the whole thing as a process (or, to quote Trey, a "spiritual practice", though I don't want to go down that path of argument today). I care most about the extent to which they are putting themselves out there, connecting, working through things, trying things, improving. I understand that if they are following this process there will be bumps along the way, moments of limited inspiration, repetition, and friction.

Unfortunately, that perspective isn't a good way to pick out the stuff you'd most want to listen to 3 months per tour. So ranking criteria are natural, and you've suggested good ones. I just sometimes wish the fan community would give more respect to the overall process even when it produces an off-kilter, subpar show. (Which, again, this particular show wasn't.)

Anyway, enjoyed both the review and the chance to vent a little!