Are they really such a bad thing?

It's funny that with literature or film people expect there to be an editor of some kind to streamline and help with structure, yet with popular music it is frowned upon.

I don't even see why singers/bands should be expected to write their own music. If you look back some of the best songs were not actually written by the performer who made it famous.

Could alot of bands nowadays not benefit from some creative control, especially those in their late careers?

Is there a way to preserve creative freedom, yet prevent self-indulgent wankery?

Just thinking.