I think it would be great to hear the touring band record a studio album...but maybe they relish the downtime when Joe's in the studio. Not to mention it probably freshens Joe up, to play with other musicians. Kevin Shirley has clearly known what he's doing (as do Joe and Roy), when it comes to each of Joe's projects.
The diehard BCC fans are always going to wish that project never took the turn that it did. Joe's made his position pretty abundantly clear, IMO. What he's doing now is his first love, in whatever directions that may take him in the future.
As has been acknowledged in this thread (and elsewhere), Joe's not just your average bluesman. That's what makes following him so much fun, right?
Personally, I'm enjoying the jazzy flavors of Joe that are showing up. (RCFP, parts of the Beth Hart collaborations, and such.)
He keeps stretching, and rock will always be part of his nature, but never his ONLY one.
Such is life as a JB fan, I think.
As has also been said, I'm happy when Joe's happy, because it shows in what he's doing.
Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences. You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway. If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.