That headline is exactly what U2 (or at least Bono) want.
I hesitate to be too cynical about it, though, because I think it comes from a good place. Bono really IS questioning their relevance. This band has too much drive to be content with the kind of success NLOTH had, no matter how underappreciated it may or may not have been. And I think he really does think it would be better to quit than to be irrelevant. On the other hand, U2 are clearly still capable of great music. The magic will happen again. Just a matter of whether it's a game-changer/another classic or a mere commercial success. One thing I'm sure of: they won't be back till they have a sure-fire huge single. And I'm OK with that. They don't have one huge single I don't like quite a lot, and probably not one I don't love. If they're working with Danger Mouse, they will have a huge single. It's just a matter of how huge, and how quality.
I have absolute faith in this band, especially paired with Danger Mouse. Danger Mouse aspires to huge sounds but loves simplicity and intimacy. He won't let them go too mindless. For instance, I can't imagine SUC happening on his watch (the only NLOTH song I think is irredeemable).
Also, Every Breaking Wave is a fucking classic song. That's enough for me. They'll be back, if only to get that song right.