> If Fallout had come right after, say, Ghost Protocol, we as
> a community like would have looked more fondly on its music.

I can definitely say that would have been the case for me! You have a great way of cutting to the chase

> McQuarrie later admitted that he somewhat knew Rogue Nation was
> coasting off the goodwill of Ghost Protocol and that the next film
> couldn't do the same thing.

I hadn't heard that, and I'm not sure what he means by that, given that each film is thought to be better than the previous one (not that I agree, I think they're all equally excellent Ghost Protocol and after). Maybe it was the atmosphere and approach to the heists?

> Also forgotten is that a decent portion of Kraemer's Rogue Nation
> score went unused in the final film.

I've seen the film and didn't pick up on that. Kinda wonder if the album experience being more full than the film may have fostered its goodwill, then.

> True, if for no other reason than Penguins of Madagascar.

Amusingly, that's precisely what came to mind for me!