I think metal in any of its forms, is something that goes against the grains of what most people consider the norm. When I listen to something that gets my blood flowing and my heart racing I consider it to be metal. Heavy metal makes me feel like i'm living fast, NOT dying slow.
My point about bassists was supposed to be that not all good metal bands have good bassists. Not that all metal bassists suck. Steve Digiorgio is my second favorite bassist.
My point is that Slipknot may not have an amazing guitarist or bassist, but that they are still metal, and good metal. And since noone here can tell me why it isnt metal, I see no reason why I should listen to you when you say it sucks.