It is very unfortunate that JM has stopped being one of the main creative forces in the band...
I wish he would contribute more, in the composing process, but also with some lyrics. After Octavarium, i think DT lyrics have gone really downhill, and JM would give some creative ideas.
Also, DT sound really needs more creative bass lines, because in the last albums it sounds like there is a hired bass player doubling JP riffs with no musical input at all.
To be honest, i really hate JR playing over the riffs, i dont like the sound and i think it is one reason why the bass hasn't a disticntive part in the mix.