The Sammy era with the band was definately good, but unless you seen the David Lee Roth era from 78-84 there is no comparision. Dave brought to the band this huge energy on stage, that with Eddie blew away bands that they were opening for. In 1981 Van Halen toured with the Rolling Stones, has to go down as one of the most incredible Rock tours in History.
Sammy was a great change for the band, but they went more pop at times then hard rock.