I'll back you up on the larger point, Michael. KEXP is an adult contemporary station because that's what the stations listeners want to hear. All the indie rock kids from the last decade or more grew up, got themselves a good income and can now donate big chucks of money to still get their fill of that fresh "underground" sound that goes down a little more easily than Botch or Lightning Bolt.
What's even more laughable is the local show. I tuned in recently and heard three songs in a row from regional bands that no longer exist. Way to support local music.
I have tried to request local "hard rock" bands a few times on KEXP and get no response. Why would I want to help power KEXP then?