Yeah, I agree with the LaBrie thing. I don't hate him, but if someone will leave DT, it should be LaBrie. They're better off being an instrumental band.
He's not really changing his pitch too greatly in the intro to that song, honestly. He's holding a low note for the majority of the intro, although I'll admit he does go to a bit of a higher pitch near the end of the intro (before the lyrics). If he does have vocal range, he's done nothing to prove he can sustain it.
here is an excellent interview with portnoy that goes deeper then his facebook message. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145872
He (almost) is DT. They're finished. Also, I totally disagree. Petrucci is incredibly widely considered the best guitarist in the world. I'm not saying he is, but it's common opinion. DT are just as well known for Petrucci. They're still finished though. Paul McCartney just left the Beatles, The Edge just left U2, Guns N Roses leaving Axl Rose...