Hypno, in all due respect, I believe that the use of hide's image/audio is not good for the band's image. I say this despite the fact that my admiration of hide knows no bounds. But the way X Japan has carried itself up until this year makes it difficult for new fans to take it seriously as a legitimate band. The constant emphasis on hide makes it seem like X as a band has no function other than to honor hide's memory. This is frankly absurd, especially considering the minimal role that hide actually played in the development of the bulk of the band's material.
Now, having said that, X has taken great strides towards legitimizing itself. Inducting Sugizo as an official member was a good step, although giving him a 6th spot is silly, because, what of Taiji, for example? He was at LEAST as critical of a member as hide up until his removal from the band, and yet, his existence was all but wiped out until recently. Nonetheless, finally allowing Sugizo to carry out his responsibilities as far as actually playing hide's solo parts, rather than power chords over a backing track of hide soloing, was also a step in the right direction. The fact that they've continued writing new material is definitely a good sign too, although IMHO it's more of a case of "good intentions, poor execution" in that case. But, of course, that comes down to subjectivity and I would never hold it against someone for enjoying their new songs. That is all