I was just pointing out the context for Regietheater in Austro-Germany where there is still a reasonable public for classical music and opera as well as frequent performances. Something like Regietheater is not exportable from that remaining hothouse, I agree entirely, if only because of the more sporadic operatic performances elsewhere. But even trad performances are a bandaid for a museum repertoire.

As for Handel and Baroque, the expressed opinion of Noah (I don't know his personal view) is quite typical of the more traditional opera goer who is not tuned in to what is going on in the Baroque revival. Yes a clever or straightforward updating is rarely out of place. The De Niese Giulio is an example of the latter while the Bartoli exemplifies the former. But many more Baroque operas are being performed recently (past 30 years) and without any over the top added stage business. Effective stage management and a bit of expressivity carries the music and drama along very well (if one like Baroque music.) But a section of opera goers have trouble with the reduced instrumental accompaniment.