It appears that at least one of the major labels has found an innovative new business model.

You just cannot overestimate the venality of these guys. From the article:

… In other words, UMG put out albums without artist permission, held back royalties from these artists, and then finally paid out when faced with a much bigger legal threat. Now, even though the settlement money seems to cover what was claimed and acknowledged to be owed to artists, UMG is using the guise of a copyright claim to recover the money from its insurer…

Why Universal Music Sued Its Insurer Over a $14.4 Million Payment to Musicians (Hollywood Reporter)