Well, being "pissed off at the music business in general," will cost
an artist. There are people who aren't as talented in music as
Ashley, and they got by; and that is because their good attitudes
helped get them ahead.

When it comes to lifestyles, I guess it depends on the type of
lifestyle they lead. It's really nobodys business and shouldn't
effect the value of their music; but it can and does.

Take a look at what happened to Jerry Lee Lewis for example:
Was comparable to Eliv in success, and was expected to take the title
that Elvis held as "King Of Rock And Roll".
Then they found out that he married his under-aged cousin, while his
second marriage was not legally nullified. (spelling?)
he married his second wife, which made his second marriage illegal,
so it was alright to marry Myra>

Ashley was successful for a while, but the Jay Leno incident is
something that people will remember; as well as when he surprised
his fan base by singing rap music unannounced can be something that
won't be water under the bridge for a while.
Those are other issues.

As for Ashleys personal life: What could he possibly be doing right now that not many other celebrities are doing, and should have a legitimate effect on his success?