I have to say I've never liked Kipper's influence on how the last two records sounded. I remember when I first bought BND, I thought it sounded unfinished, like demos. And as far as the 'Sacred Love' stuff, the real album to me is the 'Inside' DVD, and 'Sacred Love' CD is a remix album. ;)
I miss Hugh Padgham. His work will always be the classic 'Sting' sound for me (TSC, TST, MF); enough of a sheen to paint incredible cinematic aural landscapes, but still retain a live band environment so the music still sounds intimate and personal.
Ken -