In reading all of the posts to this subject, I'm stunned that no one seems to question the post-release comments made by Page regarding this effort. Namely, "I suppose it was a bit of a glorified demo". In fact, people have echoed the same statement. Now, I ask...Page has never, EVER made such a comment regarding any Zeppelin studio release??? (not counting his semi-defensive, self serving comments regarding TSRS soundtrack). Why would he release something 'sub-standard'? Moreover...if this was supposed to be a double album...THIS was the best of the lot?????
Consider:
He was the sole musical 'creator' on this album.
He owned the studio in which it was recorded.
He produced the album.
He chose the vocalists.