Like I had mentioned on the other boards this seems like it was a 'covert operation' by the Hard Rock security team to use their authority to steal the mic back at the end of every show.  I don't think it was "one rogue asshole", nor do I think GnR or its team can be blamed at all.  After a week of being immersed in this I am RELATIVELY convinced that the security team there took it upon themselves to do this. Then, if anyone called to complain they stated that the band's management mandated they recollect the mic at the end of every show.  I'm sure the first 'X' times this happened and someone called to complain they told them this horseshit and that was the end of it.  I just happened to be the 1st person to actually ask the band if that was really the case, and they were caught in their lie.  I'm so happy I had something to do with exposing this bullshit one way or the other.  It's not curing cancer or anything, but if it means that from here on out the person that catches the mic at these shows gets to keep it, then I'm happy as a clam.

I have no idea what the case would have been at the other venues though.