Yes you are right, they have always done, and had a 'script' of what to say and do when since the idiot tour. However I think the main reason why it seems kind of "forced" now, and less variation of speech of concert to concert, adding/and switching songs and such, is two reasons. One their older now, and just don't really have the energy. Hey the best show I saw of them was in Hartford in 2010 where they played for 3 hours, and songs like 409 coffee maker. Billie guys were 38 there, and they are 45 now, your body and energy is not going to be the same. Now as for the rants I honesty think that is to him being sober. Also the band, and crew are probably setting up rules, of how closely to follow the "speeches", more so then in the past. So you wouldn't have an other "I wish Steve Jobs would die of Cancer already!". Even sober they don't want any problems probably. Who knows maybe after this tour they will loosen up a bit more. But yes agree at the show two nights ago in Hartford I felt a lack of connection.