Frank Belknap Long

Just getting into a collection of his weird stories and, so far...I dunno. He has a habit of being far more pedestrian in his responses to weird stimuli than HPL or Smith. I also detect quite a bit of period appropriate jingoism and sexism in the vein of Chambers. Ultimately, I am so far failing to appreciate what FBL really brings to the table besides being well placed historically to be a friend and confidant of HPL. He just comes off as a page filler and afterthought rather than an independent genius. Any contrary opinions?