The top 4 GC riders are within 8 seconds of each other, yet you think this tour is boring?
That said, it's a combination of all these factors. When you've got 1 team composed of mainly GC capable riders, it's going to skew the results, esp with the TTT. I don't think it's gutlessness on the part of the other riders, it's just that there's only been minimal opportunities for GC riders to make worthwhile attacks, esp with Astana seemingly shutting down any attack. Turning the Col du Tourmulet into an afternoon stroll was a wasted opportunity.