I can't find the article anymore, but I remember reading somewhere the Felder wasn't contractually a "band member" on the HFO stuff, and was subsequently dismissed by Henley when he demanded an equal share. I think it was portrayed as a "went their separate ways" situation.

Steuart Smith is a good guitarist, but is way more country than Felder was. I've noticed that this incarnation of the Eagles is being marketed much more to the country crowd than the aging rock crowd.