I agree with both your points. As much as I love the band and Barney, I cant think of another singer that sounds so much different live to that in the studio. Yes "its all part of the New Order charm" i hear people say. But even without the distraction of needing a guitar and only having the vocals to do on BLT, Barney still doesnt sound great. He sings in a lower register and think he tries to come in too early with last chorus.

I thought living a more restrained lifestyle to in the past might mean barney in better shape. but what do i know. pure speculation. maybe he had a late night.

In comparison, that Electronic Ecstasy recording of NO at Reading 1993 is very suspicious. Barney doesnt sing a note out of key and vocals are heavily effected.

I prefer a live vocal even if it's a bit rough to one beefed up with canned backing vocals which maybe they have been guilty of using in the past?
To me that type of thing should be left to the likes of One Direction..

I don't hear a problem with Bernards live vocals nowadays, I think he sounds fine..

Bernard is not great as a traditional front man/vocalist, and he should not be presented as one. If Bernard was, New Order would have been something different and less unique.

Music wise, such as "BLT", the band needs more of an edge, to take some of the focus from Bernard, at least in the mixing. Sounds polished, but too safe, too close to "neworder karaoke", a problem they had back in 2005-6 also but they do seem more band focused now... but they had Hook to step up and nobody takes that role now.

The idiot dad rave dancing should be reserved for special occasions, which should be for fan only audiences, not a television appearance. Just rather embarrassing.

I suspect Coachella was a bit draining for the band and Bernard especially. Vocals at the Santa Barbara gig far outshined the Kimmel performance. Don't write Barney off just yet...

Yes - good spot.