I would say that would be as much of an overreaction as MP's was.
If it's good music, I will listen to it, if not then not. Simple as that. Given the lineup I'm not on the edge of my seat, but it's a new thing, and it would be silly to not at least give it a shot.
Same here. I haven't been a fan of Portnoy the person for probably 15 years now, yet in that time span, I've bought probably close to 20 studio albums he's been on. Like you said, good music is good music.
Oh, absolutely. If I buy another album with MP on it, it'll be because I like the other musicians and their music (NMB, TA, FC), not because of his involvement. I'll, of course, listen to this new band once the full lineup is announced and a single or something is released, but, untill then, I've lost all the interest I had. I think he's a great drummer, but makes TERRIBLE decisions when it comes to the relationship with his fans, and, sadly, he has lost me as one.
I really doubt he cares and me not following him anymore doesn't mean anything to his career, but I can't stand his way of managing these things and I, a marketing student in my last year of career, know a thing or two about the importance of building good relationships with your customers and having a healthy public image, none of which he seems to have at the moment.