I think you're missing the point. It doesn't matter if the photo is tasteful. The point is that they are in the process of defending a comment one them made that they can't/won't back up now. None of this would be happening if they weren't so worried about the backlash of the lead singers comments. You didn't even think the cover photo was airbrushed....
The Dixie Chicks may in fact have a love for music. It's a shame that the love for music takes a back seat to thier public image. I would have been impressed if she had made the comment, gotten in trouble and said, "screw you. I feel this way" and then posed nude without the benefit of computer enhancement and said "screw you, I look this way. Most women do." THAT would character, courage, a love for music regardless of what the media thinks. If they really loved thier music and believed in it, the fans would always come back.
Ok..that's it, I swear. I've already wasted too much time on this topic....