Couldn't agree more, Rick. Though in Seattle's defence, it came from a resurgence of the punk ethos, and therefore *shouldn't* have been about extreme talent. It still seemed like a pre-packaged ripoff, though.
I went through a metal phase in my early teens, and also spent countless hours learning other bands' songs (though I never sunk as low as White Lion!
) Playing Guns and Roses developed my left hand, and playing Slayer developed my right hand. Those 2 guys from Slayer are un-f*#king real guitarists. Forget the solos, that's just crap, it's the other stuff that's amazing. And their drummer(s) are wicked, too. Absolute top-notch musicians.