I totally get what you are saying about Mona Bone Jakon. But since you are obviously a huge Cat Steven's fan. I would encourage you to give it another listen.
After being near death from tuberculosis when he was admitted to the hospital and his two year absence from the music scene, while struggling to recover. What we see is a new Cat Stevens appear. The "spiritual" Cat Stevens. He had spent that time contemplating his life and death and what was the important things in life. And what emerged from that experience was the birth of the Cat Stevens that was to come. He managed to get released from his current record label, and also managed to get signed by Island. Who promised to let him do whatever he wanted in whatever manner that he wanted. Mona Bone Jakon, was the first album of that rebirth. He no longer desired to be a teenage pop star. The songs on MBJ are sometimes not developed totally. But, there are some great songs. "Trouble", "My Lady D'Abanville", "Maybe You're Right", "Fill My Eyes".
As Joni Mitchell said about her album "Blue". I must say about MBJ. I don't believe that there is an insincere note on the album. He was gaining his footing as a serious songwriter with serious things to say. And he would go on to release TFTT within the same year. MBJ represents a rebirth of the Cat Stevens that would take the world by storm. I encourage you, as a serious Cat Stevens fan. Invest in a CD at least, and give it another listen. There is some gold to be found in its simplicity. And it should be given a spot in your collection. If for no other reason than to make his transition complete. From one Cat Steven's fan to another. Just my humble opinion.
This has been a pleasure for me. Thank you.