@Wick- I kinda feel ya there, Sugizo's guitar playing wasn't all that great on that little battle, but I don't think it shows a lack of skill rather a poor essence of improv. I mean, I know plenty of talented guitarists, musicians in fact, who can sing/play their heart out but when it comes to on-the-spot make up time, it's like "...Can I get some sheet music..?" Some people just aren't good improvisational musicians.
Funny thing is, I'm not even a Sugizo fanboy or anything. XD I wasn't a big Luna Sea guy or anything, I mostly just like how X-Japan is still being kept in the family. I remember reading an article by some guy who was hating on Yoshiki because, during the time, Yoshiki was getting guitarists from lots of different outside sources like ex-Limp Biskit and GnR. He was saying that he should just get Sugizo and call it a day but Yoshiki was more focused on getting new fans rather than keeping X what it should be.
Like I said, Panther is a great guitarist and probably would've done a lot for X-Japan if hired on, I don't think he'd like sitting out for backtracked guitar solos but eh whatevs.