Rihanna is not a lessor in anyway, her vocals are improving the only thing she will never be is a "dancer" because she isn't the best dancer. But if she keeps working on her vocals, gets a coach lays off the alcohol and weed and puts 150% into her performances then she will get more respect for her live performances.
Who cares how good your fave is performer when their discography sucks?
To put it simply, anyone who cares about performance cares about stanning for an artist with genuine ability, not an artist with good marketing/production.