So the EBYT Demo from the new Synchronicity box set just dropped on Apple Music. Wow. Really makes you appreciate what Andy could do to a song. The demo seems like a B side, and Andy elevated it to an all time great. Also, what Stewart and Hugh (regarding Stewart's snare sound) added should also not be dismissed. The deep impact that such a simple drum part adds is also what really made the song what it is, as the song's heart (ie the demo) is really nothing much.
To give Sting some credit, I do like his bass on the album. They may be simple quarter notes, but they really help drive the song. This is why I don't like how he plays it live (with a rest on the second beat rather than four straight quarter notes). Changes the mood from a relentless drive of obsession to . . . I'm not sure what.