The meat of the issue is: If you have the talent, connections, and truly a HIT song, the song will sell itself.

COMPLICATED Avril Lavigne
WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (several covers)
I HOPE YOU DANCE Leann Womack- and others,
all have a great mixture of lyric, rhythm, music, melody, and production.
These are great songs.
I also believe few songs make it based on the lyric, or music alone.
I think it's a bit of "Fluff" when one uses terms as "fashion show" or other excuses for songs that he/she doesn't consider good songs- which make it on the charts.
There are many songs on the charts, that I also, really never or will like.
The creative artist, songwriter, producer, or agent, must take advantage of any tool available, to be different, when needed, to get those competitive spots on the charts.

Just my opinion

Cal