When I read stuff like this I keep thinking of Ezekiel 9.
It was where God showed Ezekiel, then an exile in Babylon, a vision of His temple in Jerusalem full of pagan idols.
I am certain that the priests wanted to reach out to good, decent Israelites who were Asherah worshippers in a spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness. I am certain that, hey God... Asherah... what's the difference, they thought. They couldn't be judgemental and hurt anyone's feelings. It's a new age and people must be open to the times. It was more important that Jews not be divided between God and Asherah worshippers and be 'united in love'.
Right on, Sam man.