Carl was very concerned about his weight, especially in the early years. He was never really that fat, a little chubby maybe but the pressure of being a teeny band must have played on his own insecurity.
When Brians falsetto high was racked by his smoking (1970-1984) Carl voice was simply the best in the band. However, to this day most of his songs after 1970 are reminiscent of Michael McDonald or MIchael Bolton and, to be brutally honest, not a very cool sound. Dad rock at its mind-numbingly worse.
But his guitar licking was second to none, and as said, did keep the band together.
Regarding Mike Love, near enough every front man in the history of rock and pop swagger don't they?
I may form a Mike Love appreciation society. The guy is great, honest.