I've noticed the same, yankies. With WRDU gone (well, WRDU was REALLY gone WELL before Rooster came on the scene), Raleigh really doesn't have a true rock station. 100.7, of course, is a Classic Hits station. I agree, 96Rock should have more of a 'variety' sound. With the exception of the alternative/new rock that crosses over to CHR, there is no real outlet for new rock.
Maybe it would be a good time for student-run WKNC to take on a true new rock format. They have made a heritage of playing 'college rock', taking on a 'closer-to-commercial' sounding new rock format would fill a real void in the market. I could envision a format there, which plays music from new, mainstream/alternative artists...with some of the college bands mixed in a couple times an hour. Just an idea. However, Raleigh and the surroundings DO need a real rock station. I agree with another post, which said that every market should have an outlet for new rock artists.