Yes, but within that the record industry has changed more than the rest of the world. It used to be more pyramid-shaped, but now the head of the beast is barely connected.
25 years ago many bands toured at a loss to promote record sales. Now...
Totally.
The industry as it was only exists for the 1%. It has changed entirely since the mid 2000's. That said gig prices are fecking absurd even with inflation etc taken into account.
Ah I dunno. What she is at now is not the same sport as 99% of the industry, and if it was an industry norm, you can then broaden it to capitalism. I personally think she should face the criticism @UnrelatedPsuedo aimed at her.
In purely musical terms, there are hundreds. She's a truly modern phenomenon. She's just really safe and marketable. She's a good singer but not amazing. Lots of her peers have better voices. She's a competent if not a bit formulaic, songwriter...