I think something ridiculously awesome that Journey could do to appeal to their more progressive-leaning fans is to release a concept album like Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, and Rush always do. Have a bunch of long, heavily-instrumental songs strung together into an epic storyline. I know they have the chops and ability to pull something like this off, and this could alienate some fans but at the same time bring some in.
I think it could gain them a lot of credibility among music nerds everywhere and have a little special something for the casual Journey fan. Even the greatest concept albums usually seem to manage to have a hit single here and there. I know I'd really like to see it, honestly.