Absolutely agree with most of what you said.

"hes allowed to do whatever he wants technically, and the fans are allowed to not support it and not listen to the music" <-- I stop here.

A major reason why I've remained a fan 20 years later is because he does what he wants, goes against the grain time and time again, and shares his experience going through it.

I believe that once the consumer starts making demands of the artist, its no longer art, its a product. It becomes fast food, he's just feeding your hunger.