Another Pop-lover here. Actually, I don't like the album that much, but I do like the live versions of most songs. And that's my theory of why people don't like Pop: the way it sounds, the way it is produced... It's just not the shimmering U2 that most people are used to.
And I think that was just what U2 had in mind: come up with something different. But as with all decissions, there's a good and a bad side to it. It's good that they didn't just go for the easy way of repeating themselves. It's bad that it had to be done this way.
If you listen to live versions of Mofo, Gone, Please... you just can't deny that those are U2-worthy songs. Also, I just love IGWSHI from the Las Vegas opening night. Yes, they mess up, but that particular version just makes it an honest song with U2 written all over it.
DYFL was really bad live, but the album version really works for me.
Velvet dress, works both live and album. Playboy mansion, maybe not their greatest song, but it has a certain feel that I like.
Apart from that, I think people should be less judgemental over other peoples opinions and tastes. I'm not saying that Pop is an overlooked masterpiece, but I do think calling it their biggest mistake says more about that person than it it does about U2.
It's their music, their work and they do it however they want it and that's what keeps it interesting for us