That is exactly what I first thought when I read through this thread. Gateway. The problem is that you are trying to explain this to the school of thought that does not want their precious 'real' metal bands anywhere near the radio or mainstream success. They think it will be the death of metal and take away from the exclusivity of knowing about underground bands. when in reality, the general health of metal is better off having a few flagship bands break through to the new school of young metal listeners...also known as a demographic. Metal is generally supported by people from the ages of 12-30, and thats giving it some depth, mainly because of places like this board. The 30-50 year old metal heads, while more common than in pervious years still does not make up the biggest buying public.
So if bands like AX7 can break through and get some airplay on radio and MTV, I say all the power to them. They ARE metal, they even have some neo-classical metal elements to their sound, which has never been a radio mainstay. With a different singer AX7 could easily play ProgPower and fit right in.
And as far as image goes, it has ALWAYS been a part of metal. Always. It comes with the territory. Whether the band is enjoying mainstream success, with radio and MTV, or merely playing in front of 3 toothless hillbillies screaming for "Freebird", you still dress the part. So if your thing is wearing a full on cod-piece and a tinfoil wrapped cucumber or you like being dark with tattoo's, all black goth clothing, dyed black hair, piercings, and eyeliner (oops, I just described Evergrey, guess they can't play ProgPower now) its an image to help sell your product...which is your music and written to sell albums, t-shirts, stickers, etc...I also love the bands that say, "our image is not having one". Um, that IS your image, dumb-dumb.
So, if bands like Disturbed, AX7, Godsmack, Sevendust or even some of the NU metal bands get some airplay...GOOD! Anything with heavy guitars, different vocals and a darker 'metal' image is good for the new school of metal heads. Kids dont just pick any random Symphony X CD, or the new Vanden Plas or the new Cannibal Corpse...or whatever anyone defines as real metal, they start with things more accessible to them and go from there. That means radio and MTV...so the more heavier style bands that can get to these kids the bigger chance they have of actually catching on to the bands that most likely influenced the AX7's of the world.
Everyone's definition of 'Metal' is different than the next. Many moons ago when I first started listening to heavier bands it meant something completley different than it does today...If I was growing up today I wouldn;t even know where to begin, but you can bet I would start with the radio.
I dont know man...the radio definitely serves a purpose and shouldn't be discounted just because a band is or isnt on it. Lighten up a bit and just support heavy music in general. Metal will NEVER take over radio, but a few bands that get lucky enough to get airplay will definitely help spur it along.
Ok, Im done. Thanks for reading.