Hell, I like a lot of the G&R stuff.
He's still not much of a guitar player.
Much like the fact that I really like older Aerosmith. Joe Perry is very similar (or really the other way around) to Slash.
Serviceable...
Oh, I like 1980s Guns and Roses. As well as early Aerosmith.
Yeah, Joe Perry, who really gives a shit about him? He takes photos, looks distinguishable, and is likable. It all comes down to imagery.
Who gives a shit if he can play guitar better than anyone else. Just like an actor. Vin Diesel, he's not the best actor, but he makes these movies and people go to watch because he has a stage presence about him.
Of course it all comes down to personal opinion. I know exactly what you're saying, mon ami.
In the end, you have to have stage presence, connect with audience, and be bigger than life, or come off as bigger than life, and you will make it. No matter how good or horrible you are.