I haven't attended a show yet this tour (have listened to some) but was in Mex in Jan. I think this is the current normal, and in real time I think it lends itself to people being somewhat overcritical.

Late 3rd to mid 4th quarters have been ballads, no type II, etc. And sometimes, when you go back weeks and months later you will find parts of a show more enjoyable than you did in real time.

A similar argument has been made at other points in the history of phish, but IMO if you don't like this (i.e. what they are currently doing in the middle of second sets), you probably aren't going to come away from many shows raving. But often they are still good shows with great moments.

It sounds like SPAC III had some flub type issues as well. You compound those two things and some people aren't happy.