"The CMT 40 Greatest Women of Country Music were selected by hundreds of artists, music historians, music journalists and music industry professionals -- looking at every aspect of what a great artist is -- from her musically groundbreaking body of work to her overall contributions to the ever-changing world of country music." ~~ from the CMT site.

I don't agree either, but I gave up fussing about it long ago. I am sure the music industry is really concerned about it, but I vote with the $$$ that I spend for musicians not on the list. (I do have at least one album/tape/CD by 14 of the ladies who were selected.)