Just a few thoughts here.
IMO Augeri had no choice other than to try and sound like Perry. That was why he was chosen, wasn't it? Maybe if he had a little more freedom he could have moved more towards his own style, I don't believe he had that chance. Look back at "Kiss Me Softly", when that tune came out I
think Neal said it was a good example of SA' style and that he wanted to do more stuff in that style. It never happened.
JSS does invoke quite a few "Perryisms" also.
JSS does have a more powerful voice than Augeri. Better voice is an opinion
JSS does put a lot more energy into his performance that Augerie did.
IMO, JSS's energy gives him a better connection with younger fans. I think Augeri catered more to the older more mellow fans and the older gals in the audience. Don't flame me, just an opinion/observation.
Last years Journey 30th anniversary show sold out many large capacity amphitheatres and IMO they could pull off an Evening with Journey tour again.
A joke like that about Arrival does give an insight into the person's personsal preference and/or bias.
Here are my Top 5 concerts of all time
YES Magnification 2003
Paul McCartney Las Vegas 1995
Journey 1980 Departure
Neil Diamond San Diego 1991
The Who 1989
If Neal Diamond is in your Top 5 concerts of all time, well I definately have to question your judgement. I mean, I like some Neil Diamond tunes and all, but top 5, no way. Also, I saw The Who in 89 and yes it was a great show. I saw them again a few years later, and the set list was pretty damn close to the same thing. Maybe two or three different tunes mixed in from the previous show. How many times have you seen Yes, I havn't seen them but I would guess that they would be playing pretty similar set lists tour to tour.