Well, I still stand by the thought that the guitarist like the solos a bpm or 2 faster. (mine will never admit that) I think it feels good to be a little looser and not nazi strict like the verse.
To put a finer point on things, because I have been thinking about time a lot now, I realized it's not steady time I have the problem with, it's the same exact tone with every backbeat of an electronic drum beat that actually bothered me. The handclap back beat makes me throw up in my mouth a little because it's so "perfect" and never varies. Yuck!
That's what I was really revolting against. Like I have no problem with Steely Dan records, and the tempo doesn't budge there. And on recordings, I agree with that approach.
But live? I think it good to be rock steady on every part of the song...with the exception of the guitar lead specifically. Not a piano lead, or a flute lead, or a bass solo etc. But a guitar solo yea, it's OK to loosen the reigns a little. OK a sax lead too. Live I think it adds to the excitement. To me a guitar lead is like sex, you do what you feel. And I like how it reigns back in when the verse comes back in. Tension and release. How do you do tension and release without gently manipulating time? It's not a crime, it's artistic license and one of the perks of a human drummer. It can be very powerful when used right. A solo piano player does it all the time, npi.
I reserve the right to contradict myself! I like steady time on records but live I want a little more energy.