I really agree with Revel8, Ashrock and Castle. It has never been the genre which has really bothered me. Plus, Taylor was never totally country after the Debut album. She has the power to deliver songs which can make you smile, make you sad and make you feel elated. Her songwriting is what which has really separated herself from the others. Plus, Taylor isn't dumb
not at least as much as she acts to be. She knows that critics aren't here for WANEGBT but she also knows how much important global success is. Everyone questioned that song but look at it now. It's her one of the best song. I Knew You Were Trouble is a gem and 22 is a bop. I don't know much about MM but I am sure Taylor knows what she wants and she won't let MM change her style.
And plus, what would happen even if she went entire pop. She has had great pop songs and the ability to make more. Haunted, Enchanted, I Knew You Were Trouble, Starlight, The Lucky One are actually pop songs with country influence. And I hope Taylor continues to make great music. It's not necessary for an album to be country/rock and not pop for an album to sell good. Look at Red. it barely has country in it. Taylor has always proved everyone wrong and I am hoping she will continue to do so.
Now some shading time,
About this Scott tweet that he said that none of the songs from Red would make up to the tracklist of LP5, he was actually meaning that the LP5 is gonna be so much pop/dubstep that all the Red songs including 22 and IKYWT are just too country to be in it. Bookmart it.
EDIT: My this post about how pop can be good for Taylor is my 222nd post. Taylor coming for that 22.2 (Sequel of 22)!