re: Why are we getting so much love during the dead period?

Because it's LSU.

I think a lot of players see and love the same things about the program that made us all fall in love with it in the first place: The history, the tradition, the color, the pageantry, the stadium, the goal posts, the helmets, the uniforms, the great crowds, etc. etc.

On a message board I think some people get so caught up in criticizing one coach or another or one player or another that they lose sight of the magic. I don't think recruits suffer from this as they have enough going on in their own lives not to overanalyze every little thing and instead can see the big picture - thrilling games against top level opponents, insanely loud crowds, the purple and gold uniforms, etc.

Actually I think most of the wider fan base feels the same. I know I admire other programs but for me there is nothing like an LSU game - whether tailgating and watching the game in person or watching it on TV or in the old days even listening to it on the radio.