@Samsara: Pretty sure that was discussed earlier on, and I can't imagine that it would work at all. I mean, everyone would know they were doing an album without MP, but that he was still the DT drummer, so it wouldn't feel like a proper DT record, and people wouldn't take it seriously. Especially not whoever filled in for that album.
Why not? The honesty from MP and the band on that, and the fact the person was a touring drummer? Again, JP is the majority songwriter in Dream Theater. People would so take it seriously. It all comes down to again - Mike is a drummer. He's a damn good one, and he writes some lyrics and once in awhile gives a riff idea. But losing Mike isn't like losing DeGarmo, or a Petrucci, or a Page.
Proper DT record? I dunno my man, I think if it was explained honestly, and the reasons given, people would give it a hell of a shot, particularly if the right drummer came on board (say Mark Zonder, or someone of that caliber).
Mike Portnoy was not, and is not, the lynch pin in Dream Theater. That is John Petrucci. And quite honestly, I think Portnoy knows that, and is frustrated and this is why, partly, he's acting the way he is. He knows the band will go along just fine without him. Maybe not do all the things Mike Portnoy wants them to do, but he knows they'll go along and make good music and make good money and be successful without him behind the drums. And it is eating at him. Just my .02, and God knows folks are going to disagree, but that's my thought.