Here's the thing -- you're assuming what has worked for them could work for you or anyone else.
Never assume it'll pan out the same way just because it helped a few people get famous.
Their journey is not your journey.
If pandering to everyone worked all of the time, my response would be different. But as many have said -- you can't. You simply can't. You will break your spine trying to bend over backwards for everyone, banking on the hope that they might read your work or might support you with money.
Another thing -- readers are not stupid.
People can tell if someone is trying to pander to a demographic rather than make a story they enjoy. People can tell if someone is only in their fandom for popularity and money. Some creators are better at hiding it than others, but over time, it becomes apparent when someone doesn't like the work they did (and still don't like it). If you're gonna go to all that trouble trying to make people like your stuff, you might as well enjoy some part of it.
Because if you're doing this just to appeal to people and make money, and don't include the things you like -- you're in for a long, disappointing journey.
Edit: Also remember -- we're all consumers. We like and dislike media just like everyone else. Being a creator doesn't change that. And if others cannot always gather our attention, why should we break spines trying to do the same? Some people just won't like what you put out -- it be like that.