neither of their success had anything to do with "the collapsing" market. kid rocks previous music was a joke to say the least and if you knew anything about the music industry you would realize "selling out of your trunk" often yields a better payback for the artists.
i could do the math for you but you obviously have your mind made up .

i dont need a large company to pimp me . If you like being pimped i suggest you get all gussied up. Put on your best makeup, highest dress and do your jaw stretches

.....because i much prefer the current state of the "market"
forces creativity and proper business sense, rather then blaming a third party you adapt, or i do/did and so do many others.
people tend to reward good products in this day and age and if your going to use a negative connotation when describing viral marketing..especially say with the music industry...we will use your example against you .
radiohead made 4.8 million pounds...10 million dollars or so , their first week with their "pay us what you think its worth" "In rainbows" digital download....kind of goes against your "oh poor us rich companies losing out to the little man and the download"

pay attention in class or you will end up at the kids table the rest of your life, broke and horny