i think the OP raised a good question. i think the fans keep underestimating their mass numbers, and, in reality, they make up more the world than non fans. so, what MJ fans think really is what the majority of the planet thinks. so he is getting respect from the people that count. and is there anybody in history who didn't have their detractors? MJ's detractors are indeed, among the worst, and caused him great great pain.
but his fans' passion, more than makes up for it. and if anything, the negativity spurred on more love from fans.
i think the industry changed the way charts were organized, due to MJ's great success, so that the charts couldn't reflect it. so, in reality, the negativity is based on envy, which, in the end, gives MJ the ultimate victory. unless someone envies you, you must not be good at what you do.
and we're smart enough to know that the true number 1 chart position is based on sales, and not a programmer's hate-based negative opinion of Michael. MJ's the best selling artist of all time. that's the genuine chart position..and it exposed that the counterfeit chart positions were featuring 'number 1 songs' by other artists, that were never bought off the shelves.
your song ain't a hit until the consumer hits the store and buys it. MJ never had and never will have a problem in that area.
and, by the way, this gives a good life lesson. we can't get through life worrying what others think.
..on a side note, KIIS FM in los angeles did play the song. once the song is played, that's all that matters, cus we don't hear the 'quiet' reactions of listeners. but you can have the utmost confidence that those reactions are positive for Michael, cus that's how he got to be the best selling artist, in the first place.