I get what you're saying about those bands having backing. And I like Hipster Runoff too. Regardless, they still make great music - earlier in the thread it seemed like you and others were acting like they were terrible and way overrated, and I just disagree with that. With some bands, I agree - I like Tame Impala, for instance, but I don't think they're as great as everyone makes them out to be.
Actually, I feel that way about Phantogram as well. A good band, but I don't understand all the hype. And the music is good but not revolutionary.
I do believe there is a way to have a discussion about the objective merits of certain music or certain bands in a critical sense, even if it's something you can't appreciate. Maybe Grizzly Bear is really just more meritorious than the other music that comes out in a given year, and a lot of critics agree with that. Similar to how you like Coldplay even though they're mainstream.. if it's good, it's good.