I think it all depends on Chino. I don't know anything about his personal life, but he seemed to let himself go sometime around the white pony era. he got fat and started getting drunk all the time on tour. Maybe he was bored, uninspired, or maybe he has a drinking problem.
Even though the self titled mostly sucked, there were some wicked tracks on it. The raw talent is there, so I know he can write if he gets his shit together, or some inspiration finds him