there's also a line drawn in the sand for most people that signifies when we were in middle/high school and whe we went to college/hit the real world and priorities and tastes shifted and expanded (and some of that fan base just plain grew up).
not to mention the changes in the musical climate and the post-sober work ethic. and of course, nostalgia factoring in with the mystery and excitement in the fledgling internet/heavy speculation phase between albums when it would be front page coverage at the slightest hint of news.
also covered in previous posts by debunking everyone's ridiculous expectations of what someone should be doing with their art.
long story short- nostalgia makes everything seem better from a distance. sometimes it really WAS better back then. sometimes, you're the one with the problem.