The thing that sets good drummers and GREAT drummers apart is the ability to control the dynamics of the beat. I think this is where a lot of "good" rock drummers are lacking. Drumming as a basic activity is on the more aggressive side of the spectrum... It in many ways resembles dancing, or fighting... It's athletic. So naturally, excercising CONTROL is something that needs to be cultivated. For instance, If someone tells you to do a pushup, you'll probably hit the floor and do a quick one. I think there is a natural tendency to do this in rock drumming.
Here, now hit the floor and do a pushup... but do it softer and slower.
It isn't neccessarily easier.
Alrigth, now everybody give me FIFTY!! (cause I'm so smart and all
)