yeah well as much as I love Boots I think it was the wrong choice for a first single. It's kinda like Vertigo but less accessible. It took me many listens to really appreciate the song.
I still say Magnificent would have been the best first single.
But Moment of Surrender would have certainly been an interesting choice. I suppose U2 probably isn't gonna get radio play on the pop stations anymore anyway, that's all terrible rap and pop. Like, bad pop. And they're not really heavy/shitty enough for the alternative/nü-metal stations. That leaves basically independent and adult contemporary stations. So, hey, maybe you all are right, it could have been a good single. They could still release it ... doubt they will though.
I agree on Boots, though I think that Magnificent will be a fantastic second single---and that it'll get them massive airplay on pop stations. It's a killer pop song, it grabs you, and it's addictive. They're basically following the Achtung method of single releases:
1st single: Boots -- Grabs your attention and creates a buzz, if only because people talk about how it's weird and they don't like it.
2nd single: Magnificent -- Grabs you and doesn't let go. Very accessible, and very good. A song that several generations can like, and most pop and rock radio stations would play. It's basically the Mysterious Ways or EBTTRT of NLOTH. Mysterious Ways created massive buzz and appeal for Achtung.
3rd single: MOS, UC, or whatever: The swelling, emotional song that cements the popularity of the album, much like One did.