I think many of Chris' points are well taken. However, it falls into the trap that many of us fall into when comparing "3.0 shows" (for lack of a better term) with shows from other eras. Namely, particularly for those of us who caught shows back in the 90's, most of what the band is playing doesn't (and probably can't) measure up. It's pretty much an unfair comparison to compare SBIX to 1.0 festivals and "special" 3-set shows. It goes without saying that the band was playing at a different level back then. So to conclude that SBIX doesn't have staying power as compared to (mostly) shows back in the 90s and early 00s isn't a fair or really (in my opinion), a useful exercise.

In general, I've found that if I try to compare Phish 3.0 to older Phish, I'll find Phish 3.0 wanting. So I try not to do that. Instead, I make every effort to judge Phish 3.0 on its own merits. In that light, SBIX was quite strong, imo, and right up there with the best of Phish 3.0

I agree, that the double-first-sets on 7/2 was lame. But, listening to the highlights of SBIX repeatedly for the last few weeks, I've been quite impressed. The band sounds damn good, especially on the crispy AUDs to which I've been listening.

And, to contradict myself and compare SBIX to previous era festivals. I'm not sure I wouldn't take SBIX over The Clifford Ball. I'll admit I generally have a bias against 1996, but I'd take some of the best songs from SBIX (such as 7/2's Golden Age) over most of what I saw at The Clifford Ball.