... those who chose to embrace Buckethead's role in Guns and support our new line up.
I was one of "those" people and "this individual" was my favorite new band member. I whole-heartedly accepted and supported who/what he professed to be. I thought he was a perfect fit in Guns N' Roses. I am totally shocked by this turn of events. I never saw it coming. When the rumors first surfaced, I thought it was either just another bullshit internet rumor or a publicity stunt to get people to buy tickets to Dizzy's and the other's solo tours or that (God forbid) serious health problems were the cause of him leaving the band.
We greatly appreciate Bucket's contributions and remain open to "discussions" as there are obviously several issues to resolve.
Remaining "open to 'discussions'" just shows me that Axl is a way better person than me. If it were me, I would eliminate/replace his part on the album and wherever he had "Gone" before he might as well go back to ... because he would just no longer exist to me (but I wouldn't seek any kind of revenge, either).
To me, the saddest part of this letter is that Axl feels he "may have done Guns a disservice" by them affording "every accommodation" to this person. It's a sad world we live in that people feel they have to apologize for showing kindness and consideration to another human being.