It does mean however that you are going for a statement and something artistic. It might not end up artistic but they are trying. At least they try when so many artists, U2 included, don't try for something more anymore.
That's where I think you're wrong.
Creating 12 songs that compliment each other well onto an album means something. It's music. If it takes you from Feeling A to Feeling B, in a good way, not X&Y making me want to headbutt the nearest child, then it succeeds. Music is creative expression, in any form. I like concept albums when they're done well and don't come off as airy and pretentious. Coldplay doesn't have a firm identity as a band other than the "band that sounds like everyone else." That's not saying I don't like their music or I feel that any band with obvious influences is terrible, but they can't reconcile those influences with an original enough sound to make them their own, you know? Having a "concept" doesn't negate the fact that they're still grasping for their own footing in the realm of rock music - as pompous as that may sound.
You can make the argument that "U2 doesn't care anymore," but I will wholly disagree.
All That You Can't Leave Behind is a great album, with songs unique to them at that period of time that still hold up today.
Bomb, however, is an overproduced collection of singles with no staying power, and it's one of the band's biggest missteps, in my opinion.
Again, this is all subjective.
X&Y had threads that ran through it just as Viva does. It is unified. Don't give me that crap about U2 caring about art. They want hits, Grammys and money. They stopped caring about art after Pop. I'm sorry you don't see that.
U2: The Business wants that, but I still don't think that U2: The Band wants that. When you've had the cultural staying power and consistent musical output as long as they have and hit a snag every once and a while, give me a call. Plus, the fucking Grammys award older rock acts for everything, and who the hell even gauges that for musical quality? It's an honor to receive any type of award, but I don't think they're gunning for that. They're at the point in their career when everyone's awarding them achievements for their accomplishments, and don't you think they deserve some of that? I don't think either you or I are in a position to know for sure, but this explanation isn't as half-assed as yours.