I agree, i guess im looking at this song/mix as "im given what i've got" kind of thing... but i do believe earlier i mentioned something about getting a better take and really doing some more track work with the vocals.
But yes, an optimal take is .... optimal
however, i'd believe it to be a difficult task to find many professional mixes without compression on there, and it doesnt negate my point of... those vocals need compression... badly... and he should learn how to use it.
Sorry CMB... your point is valid... I didn't mean to sound so puritanical.