GM's comments as a highly credible and respected (and involved) third party certainly provides a solid vindication in the public eye. Who knows, maybe the Fabs might have been even BETTER with PB, but the world will never know.
I don't thnk a Ringo apology is needed except for the slanderous "pills" comments all those years ago.
Generally, I'd think an apology would be in order more for the historical marginalization of Pete's very real contributions in the early years, not just from playing, but for the administrative end also. Bands change members all the time, but for "freinds" to deliberately choose to ignore and marginalize the contributions (and freindships) is the inexcusable part. Lennon said just as much "we were cowards" in Anthology (or was is "Mythology"?)
Also Both John and George were quoted saying that they were at there best (or at their peak as a stage act) in hamburg?L'pool: that time was with Pete, so it gives credibility to his importance which I'm sure has been often debated in this forum (I'm new in here actually).
Long story short: Ya gotta give credit where it's been long overdue, and GM's comments help to provide validation for anyone and everyone that's ever regarded PB as more than just a footnote. He's part of the cornerstone of the whole story.
Or maybe GM just feels guilty he didn't include My Bonnie or Cry for A Shadow in the "Love" show ? (just joking)
If Bill H or others are around, they may care to share some comments here and there with some of folks that pop in over on the petebest website from time to time. I thnk pc31 and/or bobber used to post there sometimes a few years back also.
Actually, someone posted a great commentary about this "apology" subject on pb.com yestrday. It's quite a good read actually. (don't worry moderators, I'm not re-directing your members. In fact, I like this DM site now that I've visited a few times, so i'll stick around and lern what I can from some of these great threads. Thanks for having me.)