I always try and play devils advocate when it comes to our support and other clubs support.
We do have one of the best away supports in the PL. Only United and Newcastle can match our away support, and maybe Liverpool on a good away day.
I honestly believe traditional English support and Ultra support both have their pluses and minuses. To say one is better than the other is unfair and shortsighted. It depends which, if either, you prefer. I like both for different reasons. I also dislike both for different reasons.
I agree banging a drum aimlessly for 90 minutes is annoying and pointless. Banging a drum sporadically and in time with the chants can and does aid and prolong chants. What I really hate is when a Capo starts chants off and you can hear him on speakers in front of the Curva or on the stadium speakers. AC Milan do that. So do other Ultras across Europe.