Great points. I only pointed out the obvious because I wanted to just explain where I was coming from. Mainstream rock is now pop. It's all mixed up. You're right about metal going against the grain historically. I think that now it's the one place where musicians feel free to play around. Some of it works and some of it not so much. But I like that.

As for metal (part B): it seems to be expanding and growing again. It does seem to be fueled by musicians and fans who are genuinely engrossed in the music and the culture, not just by whatever is on the radio at work. It takes some searching to find these bands. Some of it has gotten old, but the bands you name seem to be pushing forward. It feels like progress, anyhow.

That said, metal has almost always been at odds with the industry. Metallica got mega-famous with virtually no radio play or advertising. This is a good example of "selling out", too. I'm convinced that excessive money has a way of putting out the competitive fire that lots of young bands burn with to get noticed. Maybe it's selling out, maybe it's just that you screamed to be heard, then you were heard. Now what? I know, I'll buy a house.

Also, "alternative" has virtually no relevance these days, so most of the same kind of music is now labeled "indie". Indie music is pretty popular. Go figure.

Btw, love the post, and dead on about Nickelback and 3 Doors Down.