In the '90s, DC produced a lot of Elseworlds one-shots and other out of continuity titles. There were some alternative concepts that sold well enough that they could have supported an ongoing title.
With the multiverse, DC has the option to produce several different versions of Superman. Books like All-STAR SUPERMAN and GENERATIONS and SMALLVILLE and SUPERMAN ADVENTURES. And they can monitor sales and see which of those titles are doing well and which aren't. Whichever concept of Superman sells best will just naturally generate the most comics. Let the market decide.
But the entire comics market shouldn't be seen as one singular audience. There are a few different markets for comic books. And like the throwing everything at the wall approach--it's probably best for DC to try to satisfy a few of those markets, not just one. So that the total cumulative sales are enough to keep them in business