Well.. about success in music and his art in general he was a real genius. He knew that appearing too much on tv is wrong.. he knew that mystery is very very important in keeping people interesting all the time.
When he appeared on tv (or on stage) he was giving them the most magical moments... the perfect beats, voice, moves.. and then he used to disappear for a while.
So yeah, def. Michael would have had the same success anytime. He was a real genius.

Yes, but social media is a big industry and if he wasn't on it people might just overlook him because he wasn't on Facebook or Twitter.

I wouldn't say that... Michael was a big fan of the new technology. I don't think he really had time to stay on facebook or tweeter (because if he would have stayed on fb who would have written all those legendary songs? who would have stayed in front of the mirror to dance and dance 'til he would shocked the world with his moves..?).. but he wanted always to stay close to his fans. So he REALLY was present on forums and sites where his fans were.
I think that what you said about the social media is the real problem for today so called "artists". They have no time to concentrate on their work because they have to "socialize".

I guess you're right. Truce?