Well, the article is blunt (and I'm not sure if Mainichi is a tabloid). However, I don't really think the article was that bad. I mean, tabloid or not, they're still media. Media obviously prefer that famous people be more open about their lives, because they'll have something to write about.
And the reason why they mention Koda Kumi is obvious because ayumi is not alone in the market and koda has been growing a large fanbase around her. Sometimes it's just impossible not to compare since for the media it doewsn't matter if they hurt ayu's or koda's feelings, if an artist is losing their spot and others are arising, comparison will be inevitable LOL
I'm just glad that article doesn't revolve around lies or questionable facts though.
They're criticizing that ayu isolated herself from the media: Well that's true.
They're criticizing that ayu has been losing fame and that other artists are arising: Well, that's true.
They're criticizing that gUILTY got number#2 while her previous albums got#1: well, that's true.
Maybe they aren't doing it in the kindest way, but heck, they don't own anything to ayu anyway
