Granted I haven't heard lots and lots of Dream Theatre, but what I have heard hasn't been particularly impressive. I heard Petrucci was an incredibly fast shredder, so I wasn't surprised when I heard a very power metal-ish guitar solo. I agree they are kinda cheesy. I agree they do have skill. BUT, like many people, I don't think that he shows much emotion in his guitaring. That's the common belief, and to me, music needs to be emotional, because music is emotions put into a sound format. That's what I think anyway. Dispute that if you will.