I agree in parts but about the long play outs I personally think that is the best part of the album and I am pretty sure it is done fully planned. Rivers do flow, so does River Towns, and the agony of being packed in ice for two weeks as MK mentioned at the 09.09.09 show is sheer and literally endless pain, agony, perfectly mirrored with Broken Bones.
I never liked Terminal At Tribute To, mainly because of the lyrics being so offensive, but also because of Guy's "original" background vocals... it reminds me very much of the sound of Different World from Inamorata, I see it as a gift to Guy to produce that song his way. Right decision to make it a bonus song, fits not with the rest of the album.
In my opinion, Guy is not brave enough. He was always Mark's minion and does not fill the role of a CREATIVE producer. Technically he might have learned a lot over the years.
LE