Loic responded to the Le Web criticisms in comprehensive style.
His overall case is that 'the time for blogger conferences is over', is no doubt the case. This stuff is deeply embedded in the early majority, penetrating the late majority and even companies have tuned in.
But there is still space for tech conferences in Europe--and I'd be happy to pitch in. Loic points to that last year DailyMotion and Netvibes both found financiers. Hopefully the dedicated start-up track this year will prove even more valuable.
He also makes reference to the breadth of talks. Yes--there is benefit in breadth. That is what makes Ted a fine conference. In its heyday, PC Forum was powerful because it did roam wide. Le Web 4 could do with that breadth and some determined thinking on how to build the non-obvious connections across participants.
At Le Web, bloggers talking about their blogs or blogging tools made for the weakest and lowest value-add sessions. There is a series of workshops and detail-oriented conferences and seminars that can support those. (You can Google for them).