I get your point Pat, and can look backwards to all of the musical examples that prove what you're saying. It's all just entertainment, so whatever floats a generation's boat I guess. I just can't call it "country" any more than that bubblegum crap Tim McGraw makes a fortune with.
I understand. I grew up listening to Floyd Cramer and Chet Adkins and in my adolescence it was Waylon, Willie and the Boys. Skynard and ZZ Top came around when I started playing, then SRV and A/C came into the picture.
I am of the opinion that any style of music can be good...or bad.