Not sure how the statement that GnR are the best hard rock band ever can be made just from hearing one album (and the latest one at that)
Agree that Appetite is an amazing album that still sounds fresh today. I enjoy both Illusion albums, but sometimes think what the album would be like if only one album was made up of the best bits (I think there was a compilation US release). As for Chinese Democracy, its a solid album, but considering the time spent creating it, it should have been the best album ever. Have never made any attempt of listening to Spaghetti Junction so can't offer any comment on that album
As for 1928's comments, it's pretty much on the mark, based on the majority of statements/reporting. The continual perfection of Axl Rose led to repeated line-up changes, a revolving door of producers and whole albums/ideas being ditched (there are reports of 70+ songs being recorded throughout the time it took for the album to be made)
Even now, Axl hasn't seemed to have learnt from the problems that have plagued his career, including still appearing late on stage at a large number of gigs and then complaining when the plug is pulled at curfew time after a shortened set
