The snake may try to tempt, but I will wait until 11-23.

Great point.  We can pick this apart to death, but I don't see a wrong answer.  Regardless of what they pick there will still be the both sides of the fence argument.  There are the die-hards, the old band lovers, and the casual listener.  The key is to hook that casual listener.

I've always pictured a bit of filler between tracks to make the connections.  Some kind of Pink Floyd like transition.

Well to play devil's advocate to that statement, there is no such thing as bad publicity.  I don't think he can forget the past in order to generate more of a buzz.  I do think you have a valid point about what could be going on in Axl's mind though.

I don't care which 14 songs were choosen.  I just will be happy to own the actual album after all this time.  The only thing I really haven't cared for is Silkworms and I never heard it live.  Those that I know that have heard it live said it was much better in person.