A lot has to do with approach.

To me, I try and stay away from this particular tune, unless its a request. The tune is so iconic, same with the solo, that I feel uncomfortable playing it. The opening riff is such a unique one, that to leave it out and still call it "Just the Way You Are" to me, is like a restaurant selling a Rueben sandwich without the corned beef. The 6th's in the Gm and Bm chords Joel uses colors the tune in a special way and to not play them also really stood out to me.

You leave the opening riff out, you leave the coloring out, etc...pretty soon, its not the same tune anymore. Forgive me Gary, but it sounded like an easy note version.

No offense meant, whatsoever...