Touring has always been a major part of an artists income. You have to promote your music. Steely Dan was the exception, but musicians have to hit the road and promote their album, besides the fact that we just need to perform.
Teenage angst was and is just a byproduct of what happens when families deteriorate. The music was just another way for these youths to express their frustration, confusion, and anger. Add the liberal agenda into the public education system as well as the continued slide from Judeo-Christian values in society, and there you some of the causes.
If you add to this fundamental shift in society the change in the way ppl understand economics, the role of our government, commerce/trade, or lack there of in a free society and there you have it....our current situation.
I'm convinced had XTC continued touring they could have been much more popular, they certainly put out a lot of great music.