Well, Derek keeps saying things in a... not too diplomatical way, but I understand what he's saying, I also agree that DT don't have that "rock and roll attittude" in its DNA. They seem like a bunch or nerds/geeks playing rock and that's why I identify myself with them so much. So what if they don't have that rock n roll vibe? In fact, I think its their charm.
I'm a tremendous fan of MP and, in different dregrees, I like all the bands he's involved. I like a lot Planet X, Platypus, Derek solo albums and BCC. But DT is my favorite band of all the time (still it is), my fave phase of the band is from I&W to Metropolis 2 and I do think the last 3 albums are better than SC and BC&SL (which I still like a lot). I also think JR>KM>DS (but for a close margin) and, at last, I think TA is a great album, it has some of the finest moments of the band, but have some flaws.
That was just to say, I'm happy that SoA exists and I think we don't have to treat music like if we have to choose some side of it. I know, this applies to Derek or anybody too, and it would help if the musicians treated that in a more diplomatical or "letting the music do the talk" way (which I think DT do well).