Pesonally I think Metallica should make more songs like Low Mans Lyric and "the whole Load album"... 80's Metallica isnt foreign to me, I used to worship Ride the lightning, Puppets and the 'ol Black album, long before Load was released. However, i think their ability as songwriters comes out much more clearly on Load. Reload has the wierdest twist to it than any of of their other albums, I absolutely love some songs and absolutely DONT like some of the others, but I guess they'll grow on me as I get closer to death.. heheh.
To be honest I think all metal-heads realise sooner or later that all though metall is a pretty free and fun play-field to be on it doesnt allow for too much musical/tonal extravagance.

I dont think they lost their INTENSITY, I think they just decided on a different approach and that a slower TEMPO fitt their needs better... (?)
I saw them live at Roskilde '99 and the Load stuff absolutely did not lack intensity.

Well thats it, I hold Metallica very very dear.. Ill be back.. less DRUNK ;P and more sober, I hope.
Laters, last beer comin up.