I didnt bother to read the article , so my comment is without reading it, but i read zess´ comment.
regarding 1: i dont follow them closely, but theres at least a few graduated AKB48 members that release solo stuff now and/or even act afaik. so everyone going to sex trade is certainly not true and doesnt really motivate me to read this.
also about 3: you already quoted everything important but they are basically the most famous group in japan, so i call bs on "love-starved males with glasses and bad skin". their fandom probably includes these people, but thats it.