Thanks for reading and discussing, I appreciate it!!

Your argument is a good one as it relates to record sales...to a degree. Record labels certainly controlled everything back in the day and the royalties and recoupable advances they gave out to artists only enhanced that control. That being said, at least the artists could actually sell their music. Today, the music they make is nothing more than a commercial for their "brand" to build a fanbase and try and make money elsewhere. You're also right about touring being the best way because the labels, unlike today, didn't have their hands too deep into that cookie jar and the bands kept most of it.