Are you saying that pop music shouldn't challenge itself, its musicians, or its audience?

Even if that challenge is born of a desire to hone one's craft or to evolve, and not so much about achieving "Art"?

I think deep down, even on a subconcious level, we like a little bit of a challenge even with our pop. And what today might considered 'masturbatory' could very well be a 'golden oldie' tomorrow.

Can't pop grow in a direction that isn't "Art"?