Potential future of rock hall
For newer generations (such as Gen Z), casual listeners may not be very different from casual listeners of older generations. Most casual listeners simply follow chart hits and have relatively limited music knowledge.
However, future younger-generation music voters are different. They are usually passionate and dedicated core music fans with broader musical perspectives, and they are strongly influenced by Pitchfork and Rate Your Music. Because of that, some "niche" artists and works carry major importance to them.
Many older core listeners have long dominated Rock Hall voting, but their musical perspective has often been narrower.
Rock Hall voting has always been driven by core listeners, regardless of generation. Casual listeners generally have little influence.
Pitchfork and Rate Your Music will definitely have an impact in the future, but probably around ten years from now. They already strongly influence younger generations of core music fans. And the people most likely to become future Rock Hall voters are these core listeners, casual listeners were and will not be major force in rock hall voting.
So when John Sykes (and Rick Krim) step aside, figures like Dave Grohl, Questlove, and Tom Morello, who seem "young" and "cool" today, will eventually become the new old guard. At that point, the committee may lean more toward hipster tastes. The annual nominee lists may then reflect both Pitchfork / Rate Your Music influence and streaming-chart popularity.
Remember when John Sykes said that "more younger voters supported acts that would have had no chance five years ago." He was likely referring to Joy Division / New Order. They were voted in over many commercially bigger names because they are highly influential among younger core listeners.
Acts like My Bloody Valentine and Cocteau Twins could have far better chances ten years from now. Even Billie Eilish has mentioned listening to My Bloody Valentine. Younger core music listeners, who are much more likely to participate in Rock Hall voting than younger casual listeners, are more hipster-minded than many people think.
And John Sykes understands this. He already said that the next five years would focus on correcting overlooked snubs from the 1980s. After that, he may pass the torch to the next generation, who may then push for 1990s artists and more niche legends admired by younger generations of core listeners.