Having the best selling album (pop) in 2011 and onward is not any merit or measurement of success?
I don't think they mean album wise but just overall. I agree with you though I don't think she's falling or anything but her sales have slowed a bit. Personally I think she has a chance to pull a Rihanna and have singles chart for over 6 weeks. But that's just me.
No. Despite what some may think, Gaga is in this for the long haul. Sure, she's going through a "not her best work" moment...but all superstars have ups and downs.