1. Yes, i TRY to listen to every suggestion, however if the song if suggested by a friend/colleague who knows my criteria, i'll add the song without having hearing it. I'd welcome any info on ballads by the bands you mentioned.
2. Modern ballads absolutely qualify. I'm excited about bands like H.E.A.T. and Lipz, for example - i just struggle finding the time to check out all the great new music coming out.