I know I'm ignoring my own advice here, but I have to get this clear... You're wondering why an incredibly formulaic pop album, that also came out at a time when there was less pirating in the industry, sold more than a non-pop album (with a few exceptions)? Gee, I wonder why. I love when the metalheads like to say LP sold out/went pop with ATS, yet also bring up the fact that HT and Meteora were two of the top selling albums of the decade... right up there with Britney Spears and such In order to "sell out", an artist can't be mainstream to begin with lol.