Every star does it, play for the industry these type of selected shows. Bruce Springsteen did it, and Bruce was more into the fans relationship than Axl has ever been.
Just a question: madison trully believed she ruled the mygnrforum, she banned people and she lied about a couple of things. Did she did those things?
He performs in these shows for a certain reason, but it seems neither you nor us really know what's the reason.
The last thing you're saying is plain and simple manipulation. Well, at least in my world the chinese songs are not made to play them unplugged. The classic songs of the 87-93 era are more suitable for the unplugged format, don't you think? That's not "play it safe". That's play what you have to play.
Didn't expect that from "the last real rocker alive" to be just an other celebrity! I think he plays the old songs because most people have no clue about Chi.D. That's how it is. The old songs still "live" wonders if that will be the case in 20 years with the Chi.D songs! Just saying.

I've read different stories about Madison and the Slash policy at that particular concert. I'm not a fanatic GN'R forums visitor so I've no idea about her ways than what I've read by posters here. But whatever I still don't find Axl's rant stylish or mature.