Sure, "asleep" is hyperbole. And maybe they were listening more closely than I give them credit for but didn't quite have the cooperative gumption to execute as well as they have this tour. I'm using broad strokes for sure to paint a big picture.

Believe me, most of the 2010 jams you mention there set my heart a-twitter at the time; DWD> WTU brought me to my knees on the slopes of Alpine. But going back now and comparing, I have to say that even that, my favorite jam of 2010, sounds like they're on the verge of falling apart, stumbling magically onto something transcendent, compared to the purposeful and patient musical conversations of May/June 2011, and that the consistency and precision and creativity, show to show and song to song, is much, much higher from Trey and Page at least.

I still love many, many moments from 2010, especially that AC Stash. I just don't get much of an urge to go back and listen now, except to compare with 2011 and renew my faith. I turn into a big ol' pessimist in the long offseasons these days, it seems, but Phish keeps getting better, at least in terms of doing what I really want them to do.