Hey Mark; thanks for commenting.
A little background: I'm a fan: I bought the Beano album, the Cream records and many solo efforts, the last being From The Cradle. I saw Eric when he was touring 461 Ocean Boulevard. I liked the record, (though it was a kinder, gentler Clapton) but the concert was disappointing; Eric didn't solo, (BIG letdown) George Terry did. I mention this because it's an indication of how he "phones it in" sometimes. (whatever the reasons, drugs, exhaustion, boredom etc.) I agree, comparison does affect my judgment. If I'd heard Layla unplugged first, would I have liked it better? Possible, maybe probable, but when you hear the ever present passion that runs through the original version, it's easy to be let down by version 2. I feel the same way about BBB. I think your point is valid, but I suppose context plays a major role.

Brian: Hope you're well!
I agree with you except for this being a fine version. With the musicians on stage it would be difficult to make a bad sound, but I don't think Eric is overly invested in it in a passionate manner. It looks to me like he's more concerned with singing, (both phrasing and finding the correct note) rather than getting inside the words.
Wow! I can see and hear all that from a video, having never spoken with the man? Yes! LOL Hey this is what humans do....