Just about 5 years ago, Mike Portnoy left Dream Theater after a disagreement about the direction of the band. He said that he didn't want to end the band, just go on a 5 year break to recharge creatively.
Well, here we are. 5 years later. And I think it's worth considering whether Portnoy had a point. Look at the 2 albums released since his leave: A Dramatic Turn of Events and Dream Theater. Maybe not the worst work that they've ever done, but I think there's a wide consensus that these two albums are average at best the creative efforts behind these previous two albums have been received with a mixed response. A Dramatic Turn of Events, while arguably the most "progressive" work they've done in years, took a huge number of queues directly from Images and Words. Dream Theater, so far as I can tell from my experience with the fan base, is generally seen as being no better than ADTOE in terms of overall quality. (I'm talking averages here people. Yes, some people *love* DT, but from what I've seen that's not the most common point of view).
So what if they had taken a 5 year break? They would, assuming they stuck to the plan, be just now getting back together and writing new material for the first time since Black Clouds.
Do you think the band was right to stick together, drop have Portnoy leave, find a new drummer, and carry on? Or was Portnoy on to something? Could they have used a few years off to recharge?
EDIT:Some edits to clarify my points and fix some errors.