I know this has nothing to do with the thread topic, but is just a comment on the other conversation going on here. I believe McGuinness has said about U2 (though I don't know exactly where the quote comes from) “They know as much about the business as most record executives and most concert promoters and most recording engineers and even most T-shirt distributors”. I also remember a Bono quote where he spoke about deciding very early on to be knowledgeable about and involved in the business side of being a band. But now I can't find the quote.
Anyway, carry on.
I'm in the optimistic boat for a new record soon.