After some more reflection and a good night's sleep, I have this observation on Cream '05-06 that Mattew made me realize I had forgotten to make. Despite any shortcomings to the performances, it was still more satisfying and seemed more worthwhile to see and hear EC, JB and GB haul out their old stuff than many performances by current, very talented musicians doing their now things. I think it had to do with seeing 3 guys who were once very exceptional players and who had once done something very unusual and who have moved on, each in their own ways. Then to have them revisit the songs of so long ago, having continued way down their own paths in the meantime, and hearing their take - now - on that music was inherantly worth the time to give a listen. This is not the easiest thing to put a finger on and articulate (and I've already said 175% more about it than I think I have every said on this forum), so I'm sorry if I've bored or annoyed anyone.
Maybe I'll just say this for Cream - I like watching old dogs who've forgotten more than most others have ever known. Now I sort of feel like buying a reunion T shirt (NOT!!!)