Considering the hit his reputation took after last year's cancellations I doubt he would refrain from promotion just to see what happens. This album is pretty crucial considering it's the first in a contract after years of being without one.
I tend to think it is either one of these two scenarios you discussed: he's either embarrassed about the cancellations and is hiding out, or he's too ill. I really hope it's the former.
I too hope, every day, that it is the former. "To see what happens" was my strange way of saying, he's being lazy about it. Let me build on that. No singles with b-sides, as stated. What, aside from being lazy, could spawn this? The idea that 'let them keep their money in their pocket and spend it on the album' in all its forms, from basic 12 track CD, to some deluxe deal that comes with Lithograph, 12 lyric sheets, Standard CD, Vinyl, Deluxe digital album, t-shirt and poster. "CDs and t-shirts and promos and God knows" indeed. OK. But how does a record company push an album? Singles, TV, radio, print media, music videos, billboards, touring, etc. Here, there is only evidence of touring and a billboard. The magazines, as I understand it, were not granted interviews but chose to put Moz on the cover and/or decided to review the album. Someone, correct me if I am mistaken about the interviews. U.S. tour was to end in very late June; presumably a U.K. tour was to follow. OK. But where was the build up to the album? For example, Quarry came out in the middle of May 2004 but the first "comeback" interview was given to the publication "Index Magazine" in February 2004, 3 months before the release of Quarry. Several interviews in various publications followed. That, was just the start of a media blitz that included radio interviews, TV appearances, world tour, etc. What was happening 3 months prior to July 14? What was happening on April 14? Let me check TTY. Better, let me check here. April 19 "This sorrowful Canada" - Morrissey statement on true-to-you.net
Yes! This will make a release that is 3 months away sell like hot cakes!