I can't argue your point about the fans because nobody will ever really know why he didn't get enough votes. It's always a bit frustrating to me when I see people like "turtle boy" get through week after week (they called him Chicken Little, I think).
As for Alternative, they can call it what they want but I've been listening to music from as far back as when there was an underground music station - totally non-commercial and I don't consider anything today really alternative - when grunge came on the scene, it was alternative but once it hits mainstream, the term no longer fits - just using the definition of the word. If you think about it, South African tribal music would be considered alternative.
haha on Chicken Little and yes I would have to agree and good point.