I stopped listening to metallica after St Anger came out, one listen and I hated it. I was a huge fan and seen them live. S&M was great and I disappear. I will even admit I liked some of the stuff off load and reload. Not every song but there were some good ones.
But I agree with alot that's been said about JN. He was always pushed to the side in the band. It's a pity because if had been given the chance, he might still be a part of the band and the music the band produced would have continued to get better after the black album.