IMO, the reason SYW/LIB has fewer sales than TD has nothing to do with Christine's absence. TD was full of past hits that even casual fans would spend money on. The SYW releases got minimal radio time here. Let's face it, if you don't show your bellyring and perform a synchronized dance with each song (while lip-synching, I might add!), you're not going to sell as many records or get as much air time. It's not just about music anymore, and adult music fans like us aren't the marketing target anymore, either. I know we have lots of younger fans on the Ledge, but you've got to know you are in the minority with your age group, though I have to commend your wonderful taste!
I prefer the edgier LIB line-up, but I do miss Christine since I never saw her live. I've been a fan since the "White album," but the past tour was the first time I've ever seen the band live!