You're focusing on U2 while I'm noticing you ranking higher than The Rolling Stones.
You mentioned something about leaving your life as a nobody behind when talking about that song but....I think much like the main character from the book Eric gave you, your treasure is in your own backyard Dave. You've made a phenomenal record with a talented group of guys and got to live the rock n roll dream touring on that record. The places you got to see doing that and the people you met all are experiences that most of us will never have. That in itself is priceless. That's just the tip of the iceberg. I feel more importantly, what you stated here about being married to the same woman since before Talk Show even had a name is quite an accomplishment and is something to be proud of. You have your family and that's priceless. To me it sounds like you have your shit together. You also mentioned something about being glad that you aren't Scott. Most true statement you could have made!
I recently watched some interview he did with Howard Stern on YouTube. You ever watched this?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hCFJEOyZUT8It's about an hour long but if you ever want to put your own life into perspective, to see and appreciate how good you really have it; just watch this. After seeing this I said fuck selling however many records STP sold, I'd rather be me any day of the week; with my problems, my mundane day job, my lady friend, and my cat. Just hearing what this guy has to pay every month in alimony alone was sickening but more importantly this guy's vibe is terrible. He's a broken spirit all the way. At that point what does he really have? Part of me feels bad for him in this interview and part of me really doesn't.
You both did the same thing on a certain level, both made music for Atlantic Records, same label as Zeppelin...Both did this with the Deleos and Kretz and both toured. Scott may have sold more records, but you got to experience all the same things as him while having the life you have with your family. What does Scott have? 2 divorces, a shit ton of alimony and child support payments; oh and substance abuse demons. The choice is clear to me who I'd rather be.