Reading the original post, I would have to say, not dead, but maybe old and boring, could a new shredder make it big? maybe, but probaly not someone with a style that is derivative of someone else, thats what kills a style, 6 million clones, when something fresh comes out, like EVH in 78, I don't remember anyone saying, Hey he sounds like...... , The new thing has to be new, as for million dollar shredders, a good band, with good songs, a good vocalist and so so musicans, will probaly earn more than all shredders put together