>Because, at least in my opinion, if you set something as your
>backdrop it should be at least a little bit important because
>it is a part of what informs your characters and the story you
>want to tell.

That's an issue of creative/artistic license and integrity, I think. Is authenticity a valid criticism for a film that didn't seek authenticity? Obviously this question is based on the circulated notion that Altman wasn't concerned with real country music or Nashville. Hopefully OKP's country music aficionados will post about its degree of authenticity or lack thereof.

>Altman can swear all day and all night it isnt
>a movie about country music (and obviously it isnt JUST about
>country music) but the characters feelings and motivations are
>partially shown through their music, especially since most of
>the actors wrote their own music for the film.

Yes, country music is vital to the film, as a device. The form of the device (in this case country music) doesn't necessarily have to be the main content/subject of the film. Does the importance of the device require the device's form to be authentic? In terms of fulfilling the artwork in terms of narrative, plot, etc. - no; but in terms of integrity, validity, morals, or values - depends on the individual.