[quote=@Techspert]
<Snipped quote by Galaxy Raider>

Yes, but there are plenty of other factors in play.

Thanks. I set it up just for you.
[/quote]

Other things can go into something to make it look nicer and other such things, but in the end, the raw entertainment value of media is what determines how objectively good it is. Subjective good is arguable for anything on nearly any grounds, but objective good has numbers to back it in audience size and profit in viewer revenue and marketing.

[quote=@DarkwolfX37]
<Snipped quote by Galaxy Raider>

SAO is also statistically very popular. It's still trash. Trash argument.

<Snipped quote by Techspert>

One Piece never had a SSJ2 moment. There. 
DBZ told several full stories without needing much filler.
DBZ created the whole "fusion" craze. OP never did anything like that.
I can spell faggot with two letters, OP.
[/quote]

That's exactly my point though. You might think yourself that whatever is trash, but in the end, things become mainstream for a reason. SAO has proved more entertaining to a larger number of viewers.