I couldnt agree more. Incidentally Ive also been playing for around 10 yrs, and Im coming more and more to the realisation that its easier to be a drummer than a musician. Lots of drummers with great chops sound good when they're playing/soloing on their own, but struggle to groove with other musicians.
I think to be a great musician (and drummer), its not about how many complex chops and licks u know, but rather how well u can use the chops, licks and technique that u possess to make the band sound good, and to communicate something musical to the listeners.
I tend to think of playing music like speaking a language; when u learn different grooves and licks, its like learning the different words and various technical aspects of a language. However, just knowing a lot of flamboyant or bombastic words does not make a great speaker; a good speaker must be fluent in the language he speaks, and must be able to communicate his ideas clearly to his audience.
Im sure no one likes to hold a conversation with a person who does not listen to the rest who are also speaking, and who says inappropriate things which adds no value to the conversation. Likewise, a musician who does not listen or who plays things which do not suit the music is just like that person described above.
Btw Blurred, yes thats why I love Gadd too. He's a great musician who really listens and contributes meaningfully to the music thru his playing.