Yeah, I don't actually mind how much time they spend writing a record as long as the result is good. That being said, this time I'd like something more...adventurous. With A Dramatic Turn of Events (still an amazing album) they had the 'with Portnoy gone, we need to prove our fandom that DT is still going strong'. With DT (still a good album), they had the 'now that we showed you that we're still here... well, we're still recording a progressive album with heavy and melodic elements. The DT sound, yo.' This time around, I'd love if they ventured deeper into experimental territory just like they did back in 2002.
Also, I really think it's time for a new concept album. 1999/2005 are way back in time now.