They were a paradox. Vile, Explicit, Honest, Real, Unreal, they could channel the Sex Pistols and write better love songs than any of their contemporaries. This dynamic was unheard of at the time. And it's timeless. "The Axl Rose Band" version of the last decade doesn't even count to me. A snapshot in time, it's best to be left with a few great albums (up for debate) than to try to imagine "what might've been" you get lightning in a bottle once. Memories fade, music sticks around, they were once great in so many ways, it's probably best that they called it a day when they did, rather than fade into mediocrity. (which they almost accomplished).
Almost? They achieved worse than mediocrity with Chinese Democracy imo. lol I'd take St Anger over it because at least I can understand the intentions and purpose that Metallica made with that album. This one though disgraces the Guns n Roses name. Shouldn't have the name on it.