Great recap of leg II. It is really difficult to imagine NOT being particularly excited for MSG. I hope this hasn't left people with expectations that will be impossible to meet, however.

But, to me this excitement goes well beyond the 4 shows left in 2012.

The penchant for diverse improvisation and exploration (just look at how differently the various improvisations are described above) bodes well for 2013 and way beyond. Combined with, at least as it appears to me, an almost visible, palpable joy from the band on stage (as opposed to the apparent discord of MSG '11), I refuse to preclude the possibility that Phish's best days are ahead of them.

While many (if not most) reading this would vehemently disagree with that last sentence, I prefer to focus on what's yet to be played. Recognize the brilliance of their past? Of course. To the automatic exclusion of the present/future possibilities? Not so much.

Thanks, @icculus!