I don't think it'd make any difference to the general audience numbers. I love the AFD 5 but it's too late now, they're older and we're older. I've never seen GNR with Steven and tbh I doubt if I'd go to see them again with or without him.
I didn't follow that era either, I have read stuff about it on @SoulMonster site. It seems like a pretty shambolic time for all. A lot of time and money wasted.