Why do y’all think the band stopped trying?

I'm not saying they are completely lost rn, but hearing MOTS just makes me sad all the lost potential went for an average pop album. MX is amazing and you can hear a band actually trying while meshing pop and rock with awesome melodies, but then there's MOTS... EL was them tyring but there's a sense that's something is missing in it. Maybe its the "demo" songs, the lack of interest (in marketing and in the tracks quality) or just few songs that really stand out (Orphans, Arabesque and a few others). I'm still a little hopeful for MM because I trust in their capabilities. They have said numerous times that they are now doing what they want and not pleasing anybody, but still I'm guessing they've learned something from MOTS. I'm excited for the all the last album though, if its really like they have been describing it, I'll be waiting.