Secondly, while their fan base isn't necessarily as large as it may have been during the HT/Meteora time period, they're still one of the largest acts in the world. I believe on Facebook they have more fans than just about every other band out there. It's Facebook, yes, but it's still an indicator of their lasting appeal. Their new sounds appeal to a different fanbase, and they're still going to keep the die-hard fans (like myself) that appreciate what they put out simply because it's a true reflection of who they are as musicians. Which brings me to my final point...
Linkin Park are finally making music that THEY want to make. Music that appeals to THEM. They've come out saying they don't need to justify the album, they don't care about producing radio friendly songs, and sales are very low on their priority list. Chester laughed at the fact that on iTunes, reviews are either a love/hate sort of reaction. Their fans are important to them, but when it comes down to it, it's their own personal taste that influences how their albums will sound from here on out. I believe the reason they're booking another studio session so fast is because they're legitimately enjoying where they're at as a band right now, and are eager to create more music. Keep in mind during their younger years, they toured nonstop for years at a time. I'm sure they're finished with that, and would much rather be in the studio creating new music than touring around the world for two years straight.