Ummm, I think most every team does their best to give their GC guy(s) an "armchair ride" until the critical times in the race. That's their job and one aspect of what makes it a team sport, is it not?
I'll stand by my statement, no I'll add to it. In my book, anybody who fights it out for a spot on the podium of the tour is pretty damn impressive.
I get that Berzin et al hates LA like they hate the devil himself, or their best friend they caught screwing their wife, but such hates seems to blind them to any sense of balance about the guy.
I'll agree though, that IMO LA certaily won't be able to hang with AC or AS. He might compete for the final podium spot, or he might not crack the top 10. Who knows? One things for sure, the guy knows what it takes, it's just a question is how much of that he still has. I personally wouldn't put big money on it one way or another.