I became a fan just before WCD came out, simply because I was young at the time. So I moved backwards through their catalogue and found something everywhere on each album. Obviously I became a big fan and I still am. I also know people who became fans in 2006/2007.
For me, an album like Invisible Touch opened many doors for the band, especially more people discovering their early days. A lot of them became fans. But of course those million sellers often attract people who just consume and don't become fans.
Then again, you have the live shows. Hardcore fans are a minority there when the band sells out 18,000 seats in an arena. So they obviously feel the need to balance the set. Which they managed quite well in 2007.
For this / next year, I just hope they are brave enough to surprise us all.