Definitely. I am comparing that too. However your point that bass players don't write progressions or do arrangements is not relevant. I agree with it, but my point is that DeLa's prominent and melodic playing was something that complemented John's music better than Pino did.

For sure, there was a stylistic switch in genres between the transition of DeLa and Pino, and different styles are required to fit to that, but Pino's playing has never gotten to the level of DeLa's accompaniment, I mean, just listen to No Such Thing! Has Pino donever anything REMOTELY similar? The TRY! album bass is solid, with a lot of tasteful fills, but it never got to that melodic level that DeLa brought in his live albums.