The reality is that the industry makes a lot of similar products. They put roughly the same seed money into each. Some seem to take off, others do not.
But there is not the "long term' development that once was. So if something doesn't take off, it is jettisoned in favor of something that is working. They don't continue to drive artists like they used to.

Record companies now take things that have an existing fan base and build from that. Which is why reality television has taken over in the launching of artists. Huge fan base and interest. It is simple economics. But the music business has always been driven by profit. The only way it stays in business.

I would believe in the "manufactured manipulation" theory if I didn't see so many failures. There are so many (10 and 20 times) as many failures of artists, songs, bands, labels, publishers, etc. that COULD NOT MISS and money, time, and promotions simply did not allow for them resonating with the public.

Just a fact of the world.

MAB