and couldn't help but notice the "this was written when they were still my heroes" note and then read that sour blog entry...
i can't tell you to like who you don't like, but just for the fact i'll say that i believe it's not as bad as you put it...
PLUS i was reminded of this speech.. which isn't all the excellent, but towards the end of the video you can hear billy...well, just listen to it ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRYEyqULwOA

Isn't he a star?
I happen to agree with him that an artist shouldn't be obeying their fans, but it's the other way around. and when a person doesn't like the artist, he can just walk away. but otherwise... it's a sellout. and billy very obivously hasn't done that. (I've been lately wondering if in case REM have.. :/) And his bitter sarcasm proves that he isn't just mean to his fans (in some cases), but he's a little bit (or more..) [bad word removed]ed up (by the situation that repeats itself). Maybe that's not the way to put it either... but that man hasn't lost his values, perhaps he's just not willing to be a slave.. and with the place that he has in the world, he feels he is made to be one. that's why all the bitterness and walking off stages and weird speeches (honestly, he's given a lot VERY awkward ones lately)...
However it is..

Hope all is well, may the sun shine over you