Upon further reflection, I agree with that. However, I'm not sure how I feel about it. A lot of folks are worried that U2 are becoming less adventurous, taking less risks, etc. because they are aging, and instead are taking the "safer" route by writing straight pop, borderline adult contemporary songs. And, if they are not blowing their minds and our minds with new colors, sounds, moods, etc. (as I think Bono or Larry said in an interview a few years ago), then they should not stay together because they would basically become the next Rolling Stones. I think that is the way I used to feel. Now, I think Chris Martin put it best in his recent interview in Rolling Stone (I recommend reading it, even if you are not a Coldplay fan) where, in response to being asked about the negative critical reaction to X&Y, he said something like "why - we're only writing songs here". I think that would be my response to the U2 are selling out, not being experimental, argument. If U2 is around for another 20 years, great - at least they are making music! And, it is not like they are going to turn into Rod Stewart (see his latest record) or even, dare I say it, Weezer (someone convince me that they did not take a plunge).
On a side note, Chris Martin also went on to say in the interview that they were ready to start branching out and experimenting because they have played out the piano ballads. It appears that they are reading straight from the primer on how to be the next U2 (i.e. transition from War to UF, when U2 first "experimented").
By the way, I'm glad everyone here takes an interest in this charting stuff (thanks to STING2, Doctorwho and BELIEVE (sorry if I missed someone) for keeping me informed - I do have to say, the numbers now are disconcerting when compared to those with ATYCLB). Sorry for the lengthy posts. Somebody shut me up.