Doesn't surprise me one bit.
Dream Theater is a well produced music entity. The band is a business, first and foremost in the eyes of JP, and quite possibly the other guys. It's their source of income, so they have to find ways to generate it. If they want the best production and want to play certain songs as well, you make compromises. And with the technology available today, why not utilize it for certain spots that are difficult.
I for one find this interesting in the perspective of taking away the live value of music.
For one, Dream Theater fans, I feel, expect too much from the guys. They go out of their way to sound as perfect as possible each and every night, yet one slip up and the fans lose their shit.
If they want to sound as perfect as possible and want to utilize technology, why can't they? Why is acceptable for someone like Beyonce, but not for the sacred, all mighty Dream Theater?
Also, if the band wants to play a song, why can't they if they're singer can't do it. There's loads of shows where the singer sounds like shit and completely ruins the song, yet they're still playing the song.
If you don't expect the band to sound perfect each night, and don't care if they screw up, you wouldn't mind if they mess up.
What is interesting are the reasons for why people listen to Dream Theater and being technically proficient in their musical craft is one of them. The expectations are high from the start and people expect that proficiency live. I actually know people who laugh and say things like, "Dream Theater doesn't need a vocalist." which implies how they view JLBs vocals.
I for one dont care about his vocals, but after hearing people complain about your live vocals being bad, how else can you fix it if you still want to play those songs?
That's why I say bands should just disregard completely what the fans want and do whatever they feel is best for the band. The situation of the relationship between fan and musician, I feel, is best portrayed in Marillions The Leavers Suite.