Many well-known artists have this problem. Heck, my gf went to a K&D concert recently, and she described the same phenomenon. People were ok while the new stuff was being played. And since everyone was obviously waiting for it, they played their hits around the end, which is where the people were most excited. And thats justa a recent example. Some of the really good guys usually play over it, and reinvent themselves, ignoring what their fans want to hear.

That said, I personally also prefer his earlier books. Granted, snowcrash was a young mans fever dream, and you kind of grow out of it. A young ladies illustrated primer? That was kinda cool. Quicksilver? Yeah, an unexpected history lesson woven into a pretty long story. Liked it. But seven eves? No. That one kind of killed my love for his work. I dont know why, but he kind of overdid the long-story-arc thing there.