I suspect it's mostly frustration as 'the band' are no more, and the cynicism is a reaction to a current policy to extract cash from us, started initially by the record label to some extent, and more lately by a former member of the band.
It all comes down to music and the former Factory ethos. We could do with one of them creating something worthwhile, and I'm sure the comments would change.
As far as i can see it's:
Barney and BL - so so album in places, surprisingly big effort to tour.. Ok stuff in general, but would be nice to hear something suggesting Barney is back on form.
Hooky, Freebass, the Light - no real comment, apart from what's been said on these forums recently in depth. 'you pay yer money, you take yer choices' etc. I've taken mine, and they don't involve paying money.
The Other two - who knows yet, but they might just pull it out of the bag.
Negativity on this site is clearly at things current and moving forward, and fully justified from what i can see. As for past material, it will always be revered and played on a regular basis by all the hardcore fans on here.
I'm glad this is a place where deserved (and undeserved) criticism can happen, and not a herd of sheep with credit cards.
Simple solution to cheer this place up, and to stop any 'cashing in' would be for the band to reform. Who knows.
And I'd be delighted if band members read all this, cos it is pretty much how it is.