[jbrat2219]

Outside of Namie, it seems other female solo artists (mainly those who are veterans) are pumping out more promo, performances, concepts, art, "clear direction," etc., and none of them are doing particularly better than ayu.

I think Avex is smart. No amount of extra effort is going to translate into sales for ayu. Namie's situation is unique because not only did she drop off the face of the Earth for a while, she came back with a completely different sound & image. I simply don't see ayu doing this no matter which label she joins. Ayu has always gone her own direction, she's not the kind of artist to do whatever it takes for sales (Avex may try dirty tricks but it doesn't reflect on ayu's music as an artist). And does she really need to? She's broken so many records and achieved so many accomplishments it takes a 48+ member group to even reach her level. Why can't she just make music and leave it at that? Isn't that what it's all about? Are we fans of ayu, or are we fans of her accomplishments?