Was gonna get on my soapbox, but it looks like everything's been covered here already
The double standards for men, the Kylie situation, Robbie getting a #1 without them, the support of tax $, etc., etc.
I have to say there's a lot of naivete in this thread, IMO, about R1's influence "waning" on the charts and the UK music industry in comparison to their competition and in general - they are still
very much a powerhouse in every since of the word.
My continued problem is with their incredibly transparent and unprofessional DJ feuds and disses throughout the years.
I do still follow them to learn about new artists from the UK and I love a lot of garage/grime that's really championed by their jockey's at night - it's a love/hate relationship I guess.