I'll give it a shot. Just my opinion of course, but I'll try to be somewhat reasonable.
What we lose:
1. An amazing guitar player whose style CANNOT be replicated.
2. The silent on-stage chemistry that only the core 5 can provide.
3. The opportunity to hear any new songs (a la The Dance) or BuckVie songs performed by the Mac.
4. The opportunity to hear any awesome Lindsey tunes outside of GYOW like Tusk, Eyes of the World, Monday Morning, Blue Letter, Second Hand News, I Know I'm Not Wrong, Crystal, Tango in the Night, electric Big Love, etc.
5. What I expect is the only force keeping Stevie's solo stuff out of the set. The Mac does a great job with Stand Back but I'd rather them play another true Mac tune.
What we gain:
1. Less fake stage-drama (the Sara hugs, Silver Springs eye contact, etc) Could be a bad thing depending on your perspective but its a pro for me. More of a genuine atmosphere.
2. A solid chance for a mixed up setlist. Lindsey understandably never wanted to play material that wasn't his, so the reintroduction of some older material should be interesting. It's a big gap to fill and I'm looking forward to what they come up with. The 24KG tour has hopefully convinced Stevie that she can stray from the stale setlist she's used to a bit and do some interesting songs. Chris has plenty she can dredge up as well (ISN'T IT MIDNIGHT).
3. Don't know anything about Neil Finn but he seems to have a decent voice, maybe it'll add to some of the songs harmony-wise? Campbell is a unique player as well, maybe he'll add a different style to some songs.
4. Less stale Lindsey tunes. I'm So Afraid doesn't have much luster anymore, same with acoustic Big Love, NGBA, Say Goodbye, Bleed to Love Her and Go Insane.
5. .....maybe Chris and Stevie can add to the Petty and Finn songs that are bound to come up? I'm open to it but not expecting much.
Controversial opinion: We also gain by not being led along by the band for years waiting for new music. No more reading into vague and not-so-vague statements in hope that it'll actually happen when a crucial component hasn't been interested in 15 years. Not a thing I like accepting though
