> no artists will criticize the subsidizer of their lifestyle

They do. Do they get attention on corporate media so you hear about them though?

> You'd think Belgium would have some impressive world-class artists

... It does. Are they given exposure in corporate media?

> so many can work unbothered by the oppressive forces of market trends

Being able to afford basic necessities does not, in fact, make artists immune to the "oppressive forces" of the market.

> mediocrity, irrelevance and low-output are the norm.

Ie, Sturgeon's Law.