from the list of things, it sounds like most entertainment companys are out to get each other and pitting their artists against each other.
i did remember reading somewhere on JPH!P forums that some big labels, i.e. johnny's and AVEX mostly target H!P/UFA in the past by waiting for UFA to announce their release date and then announce theirs to be release on the same day...
That some rivalry between them and UFA.
something i like to mention though.... Most of the singles from AVEX and Johnny's released around the same time as H!P are mostly tied-up to CMs, Doramas, etc. while MM doesn't have tie-up singles, from what i know. yet they were still able to be ranked with the top 10, even in the top 5. but on the other hand, i guess without the tie-up, that why they sell less compared to others...
i dunno if that's consider a good or bad thing.... 