As I'm probably less of a music listener than many of you, I have to admit that I'm just starting to become acquainted with some of these new self-styled progressive music people (yes, curious how the definition of "progressive rock" has drifted over the last twenty years) primarily through the medium of MySpace - even yours, Fritz! I think that some of the bands you mentioned, at least those of whom I have heard, are currently sort of at the pinnacle of the "progressive" pyramid right now because they are pretty much the ONLY ones there. I imagine a lot of us display our influences whether we want to or not but that many people are not self-censoring enough. I've written songs where after I finish putting the pieces together I think something along the lines of "that's a nice little Genesis tune you've written, too bad you aren't Genesis" and then filed the song away to never be heard by anyone else. There are a few interesting acts I've stumbled across, a band called "Combination Head" that you guys in the Isles may be familiar with, ELP spice but with some interesting modern sensibilities as well.
"I don't mind bands labeling themselves as prog (although I prefer they use the subtler yet broader term, progressive) as a point of reference. I do object to the glut of faceless traditionalist bands like Spock's Beard, Echolyn etc. It's just crap!! Wearing your influences is one thing, but Jesus, parade an attempt at an original idea out there once in a while. Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens, Efterklang, Ratatat even My Chemical Romance (yay Jersey boys!) feel more "progressive" than bands that rehash the "glory days" with the same sounds and ensembles, but with slightly different notes, more chops and less imperfections.........let the flaming begin"