I agree. THP is my least favourite record from the band (though I love Rebellion, Drawbar and GATS), majority of the songs from THP are liveless. THP would've been better if they had and external producer to oversee the process of the record. I know Mike and the band are capable of producing it on their own, but IMO, it's much better if they have an outside perspective of what could be the record all about.
If LT succeeded with a full blown folk-record then I'm sold on that one because LT had that vibe to it but it's subtle. That's a great progression from LT to LP6. Devil's Drop from the Mall OST, is a perfect example of transitioning from LT to LP6.