Yep, Beck and his people do their homework. Of all the radio, or TV personalities, Beck seems to do the most research.
His emotionalism doesn't bother me one bit. I've been listening since 2000 (he was our local afternoon guy) and he has gotten more serious, but that's because he's become better informed. And with more information comes more accountability. I think he feels that deeply.
He's always been a crier, it's just that now there is more to "cry" about.
Glenn Beck serves a valuable function in educating the mostly-ignorant public about American history. For instance, he is an ardent admirer of George Washington and frequently brings in writers of Washington biographies to acquaint us with the amazing details of his life and accomplishments. Nobody else could have achieved this.