I agree it was probably research driven, and perhaps partially influenced by the example set by two of the most successful stations in the format: The Arch, St. Louis, and, The Peak, Phoenix.
The high concept-self deprecation-funny all the time imaging approach would seem to wear thin after a time, and I believe that many of the Variety Hits stations went a bit overboard with it in their quest to replace jocks. Speaking of which the two success stories cited above have jocks. Hmm....could it be that they are winning because the talent is the thing that actually connects with the audience?
Happy Holidays!