“overblown nonsense of the English “progressive” bands had run its course”
never. :-) Progressive bands and their descendants still exist and perform. They don’t have mass following but ... heck ... the masses elected Obama twice. Yes, ELP, Kansas, Gentle Giant etc could actually play their instruments and write music beyond 3 chord rock. not everyone likes that style of music and that is fine. I saw Yes last year. Not as good as they were in the 90s but still incredible they could still perform whole albums of complex music live.
Having said that ... I like all kinds of music and hard rock. I confess to liking at least one Ramones song — “Glad to see you go” ... “in a fit of passion ... get the the thrill like Charles Manson”. strange but original