what you're describing sounds like second rate mallcore; not sure how you got on that wave to ride.
Because that's what the "kids" are playing these days, especially here in the midwest?
Aside from my own band, I've yet to record a band that can track to a click, either. NONE of them have been able to do it.
Usually when a band contacts me about recording, I try to be as honest as I can. i tell them I'm not a drum editing wizard, because what I charge is not enough for me to spend the hours fixing their mistakes...I, do, however tell them that IF they want that extra time to make it ultra polished, I give them a per hour quote...And, again, not one of them has taken that option. Usually the bands say "oh yeah, man, we won't need that, we're tight." OOOOkay!
Kicks are usually the worst IMO...There aren't many drummers who have good double bass skills. Usually what I do to try and fix it quickly is just take the track (trigger), detect hits in Cubase, and then quantize by section. This way even if they aren't using a click, the hits are evenly spaced PER PART and even if the tempo gets off, its usually each section that drifts, not single measures (in my experience anyway). Doing this with "no click" bands has sped up my editing time immensely. Scooting fills is easier, too. Also, because of the lack of skills by drummers, I've just gone to all triggers on the kit, and then miking OH's. Again, speeds up everything. The only negative is I don't get to hone the needed skills in miking drums. Now that I'll be working out of a real studio, that will change.
