The pregnancy really had no effect on the actual album sales though...Love on Top debuted at #20 the week of the VMAs, but album sales were pretty much the same after the VMAs as they were before the VMAs

No, it would have smashed if she hadn't released RTW as the lead single.

It would have flopped more obviously. If she released "Countdown" as a first single, however, the album would have slayed.

Perfect "4" era for me:

1. Countdown
2. End Of Time
3. Love On Top
4. Run The World (Girls)
5. 1 + 1
6. Party
7. Best Thing I Never Had
8. I Care

maybe one more single

9. I Miss You

Best Thing I Never Had imo, was the biggest hit from 4, it should have been the lead single.

The multiple leaks killed the beginning of the era,not RTW nor the pregnancy.Her manager is to blame !