I agree with you that the artistic-intent flag they've been waving is nothing but a cover up for somebody's miistake. well said.

When I said I was willing to grant that the publsihers didn't even think about race, I was referring mainly to pre-production, before the book was printed and people started taking notice.

Also: In case it wasn't clear for anyone, I by no means condone the pre-production or post-production actions of Bloomsbury. My goal was to analyze the reason(s?) why they fucked up.