I've no issue with the recording industry's upswing of quality being infused into their products begining back then in the 80s. None. I thought I said as much, though not as clearly as yourself.
My point is simple... the bulk of the MJ Thriller album sales was not based on it's quality, but it's hype.
Truth be told, I liked the thing back then and did not and do not care one wit about the artist. In fact I don't care for him then or now. he had severe issues and never addressed them sufficiently enough to prevent hurting others and worst of all, he hurt innocent children.
I'm unable to excuse such actions because of sheer notiriety or talent.
MJ's acclaim may have surpassed that of Elvis economically, but there's no fair comparison... that's like saying the vlockbuster flick of 2000 was out sold by the blockbuster flick of 2010... Tickets were cheaper in 2000... albums were cheaper and there were less people to buy them.
Elvis & The Beatles bodies of work will always out run MJ in my book... despite the $$$ signs.
had either of those promoted any album they produced in a likewise manner as was Thriller... a likewise result would have occured.
the notion of the presumed quality of the recording came purely as an aside in later years.. or now. Not back then.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.