It is my belief after the new Guns record drops, tour, interviews, Etc...Richard will be regarded by the mainstream as one of the better guitarists of our generation
I also think so. He already is popular among the GN'R fans, wich is a good sign. Back in 2001, I didn't "feel" the new GN'R. Finck-Buckethead-Tobias, although they are all very good players, I didn't "feel" them, not for GN'R. Something more "Rock n' Roll" in the vain of the old band, with the right vibe, the right sound, the right feeling, was missing on guitars. I think axl felt it too. Remember he called Izzy before RIR 3 happened, it seems Axl felt something was missing. When Fortus arrived in 2002, I hadn't a clue who he was (like all of us), then I watched some shows and I said "that guy rocks - he will be very popular".
Everytime I put a link to what Richard does, either with GN'R or with his own solo career, I have positive feedbacks.
Slash is appart, the man is exeptional, but behind slash, i don't know lots of guitar players as good as Richard in that typical Rock/ Classic-Rock style as we speak right now. Dave Navaroo, The Edge (U2) maybe 1 or 2 other ones... Fortus has all his chance. he is as good, if not better, than Navaroo or The Edge for me.