In 2015/2019, yes the end solo is shorter and less powerful. But the end solo is not everything about that song.
In 1996/2001 the guitar playing was top notch, but the pace of the song was just too slow for my taste. This song is emotional, yet needs a certain speed to convey it in my view.
In 2005/2013 the pace was right, the arrangements were good, but the lack of intro and synth was really a pity.
Starting 2008 the cittern was a good addition, it fits the song.
Now in 2015/2019 we get the right arrangments, the intro, and sometimes (like in Bordeaux) a decent playing with not too many mistakes, even if the end solo is not "crying" as it used to. That's enough to make it, if not the best ever, at least very touching and enjoyable.
For best ever I think we need to go all the way back to 1985. OES tour versions are great, but the pensa is the wrong guitar. This song really needs the Les Paul to cry ! And I can't stand this pedal steel guitar on it, sorry Paul Franklin, good fellow as he is.
Everybody says Mandela version is best, it is great of course, but still, this pensa guitar... no !
The one that really blows my mind out is Wembley 85. Right guitar, right pace, right arrangements (yes, the 80's synth is a bit cheesy, but I love cheese
), full of energy, and rocking ending (thank you we love you !), never heard since. Sydney 86 sounds tired, standard and with mistakes in comparison. Sometimes the best versions are the first ones !
So, 1985 all the way for best ever. But considering we are not in 1985 anymore, 2019 is really great to have, and Bordeaux as the first one of the tour is a fine (wine) one !
