I think ADToE came out really quick considering they lost a member , auditioned drummers, hired Mike and wrote a new album and released it all within their normal schedule.
This time they had all that time primarily to write and record.
It's an old quote, but it's probably the most important quote on this thread.
THIS ALBUM IS GOING TO BE AMAZING, considering the fact that many consider ADToE to be the best thing they've made since Six Degrees, AND the former was RUSHED. I think MP was just drawing the band in the wrong direction.