@ Maysie #99
Yup. I agree with all of that, though I think mainstream power is only one (admittedly very important) mitigating factor. And I don't think anyone, anywhere gets an absolute free pass (though of course the real judgment would properly come from the artist's own community).
Like I said, I wouldn't buy the art defense from that kid who put that murder game up on the internet. I don't care where he buys his shoes.