Grasping at Grace (and Growth)

I've given Gaiman multiple chances over the years because 1) Good Omens and Neverwhere, 2) I came across some of his mainstream comics work and liked it, and 3) yes, from all accounts he does seem to be a genuinely nice person, not to mention his very good taste in second wives :-) But sadly, he's failed the acid test every time. Years ago I used to describe him as a 'good ideas man' who didn't quite have the writing chops to sustain those ideas across a finished piece; these days, I'm more apt to describe him as a 'good ideas thief'. Even his concept of a brat-god of high tech (American Gods, perhaps the least lacklustre of his novels IMTAO) was less than original ~shrugs~ There's a place in the world for remix culture/collage art, but I stand on my assertion that it's a lesser art form and therefore less deserving of adulation. Or something :D