So it seems that to succeed you have to be 'up to the challenge' in a business sense, and to chase success - this is what I find sad about the whole thing.

The emphasis has shifted from music lovers that seek out the music they like to music consumers who react to the best marketing angl. That was the best thing about techno music, no bullshit, no compromise, seek and you will find... that a truly talented producer suffers in record sales and mediocrity prospers then it's a slightly worrying trend.