I think the lack of solo's in a majority of today's music is more a reaction to guitar w*$king that seemed to have come so popular for many people.
Also, the speed and nature of today's music meant the solo either wasn't necessary, or just plain inappropriate.

I don't think it's a case of which deserves more of my respect; I love solos, but I love riffs. The other thing to bare in mind is that an awful lot of non-guitarists don't really understand what a solo's about...but they will remember a catchy riff (Smoke On The Water, Come As You Are, Purple Haze). Perhaps that's why the likes of Korn and Slipknot appeal to a lot of people who don't play guitar, (and I've known quite a few over the years)

In short, I think it's important for a guitarist to experiment and be able to play various styles and tunings, but they shouldn't be thought less of because they prefer to play in one particularly tuning.

Thoughts anyone?