[GreenHornet]

Could this be a ratings ploy? ABC initially refuses to allow two men to dance with each other, followed by a week or two of “public outcry.” ABC then “relents”, and then everybody tunes in to see the much-hyped episode where the men get to dance together.

[Beowulf9]

Hey! If I were an actress I’d hire you for my PR guy because you sure do have a knack for it.

Bet you are right.

[needmorePaine]

ABC then “relents”, and then everybody tunes in to see the much-hyped episode where the men get to dance together.

Everybody? You can count me out.

[Secret Agent Man]

Yes. ABC evolves.

[Steve_Seattle]

"Could this be a ratings ploy? ABC initially refuses to allow two men to dance with each other, followed by a week or two of “public outcry.” ABC then “relents”, and then everybody tunes in to see the much-hyped episode where the men get to dance together."

It might play out that way, but I'd be surprised if that was the intent. That's playing with fire, from their point of view.

[Tired of Taxes]

Could this be a ratings ploy?

I think you're onto something. That must be what they're all doing - Starbucks, now DWTS/ABC. All these "controversies" are all about bringing in money.