Personally i think the back up singers, horn section.....etc sucked ass.
No matter whos idea it was, it was an awful one. I was kinda surprised to find out it was supposedly Slash's idea- but they are really only needed in November Rain, Bad Obsession and Move to the City.
Back to the topic, I agree 100 per cent about them sounding better, but what do u mean "even with ballads like Estranged and Patience"? those songs rule, and suited GNR perfectly!