We've worn that question to tatters around here:
http://www.drycounty.com/jovitalk/bo...-label-t69187/

I myself am willing to bet on it simply because the absence of Richie -- the member who had at least as much to do with Bon Jovi's profitability to the label as Jon did -- put a big dent in Jon's bargaining power. You also have to factor in the new standard in major record deals: Instead of just record sales and publishing royalties, the label gets merchandising and touring income, too. But "360-degree" deals are mainly for new and up-and-coming bands, not internationally established veterans on whom the label has been getting more than rich enough on album sales alone. (Besides, convincing a band to share their non-record sales income is as simple as offering to pay the upfront expenses involved.)

Bon Jovi as we now know them are in a limbo of sorts -- no longer a sure thing profitability-wise on either the record sales or touring level. I think the label either offered Jon a 360 deal or asked for publishing rights as collateral, which he refused -- which is what they hoped he would do.