When he does real investigative stories (like this one), he is as powerful as the best of the old newspaper / TV investigative journalists.

When he does Silicon Valley gossip, he gets clicks but no action.

I'll second that. I think TechCrunch just grew too quickly and he wasn't prepared for it. It now seems like he's getting things more under control starting around the time they got their new office.

I saw a video with him in it and someone asked about advertising on TechCrunch and he said flat out, "I don't recommend it, your money is better spent elsewhere."

I thought that was nice.

Everyone knows Im not a huge fan; but I think you've hit the nail on the head. He's definitely growing on me again.