Again, tv appearances don't make big numbers of people buying your album and singles. Your music videos need to be on TV, the singles need to be on the radio. Regular people hear the music there on a daily basis, they like it, they buy it. Thats how it works.
Now, think about how JALW was projected to be a big success. If that single (despite of your personal opinions) and the next singles weren't blacklisted it were gonna be top ten hits for sure. The music was still good. The music fits perfect in 2004.