Yes I agree that Marvel has been 99% marketing in the last decade or so. I also think that Marvel has been pretty much 99% crap in the last decade or so. (DC has gone the same way, having pretty much the same effect on me). I've reduced drastically my reading habits due to this. IMHO, there is a HUGE difference between using marketing strategies to push foward a storyline and create a storyline to push foward a marketing strategy (by the way, the change to "crazy Marvel" that so many dislike here, also came from a marketing strategy sort of dictating story directions. IMHO, PAD did wonders with what was forced upon him, proving how great a writer he is). Personally, not a fan of the later. As for Carol's demotion, in-story demotion (a USAF Colonel becoming a Captain), out-story promotion (pushed for a more recognizable presence in the company, though I'll reserve an opinion on if that truly has worked untill after the movie - which I'm hoping will be good).
Each one is entilted to his own opinion. We're cool.
Peace