DD>Is it because a lot of these bands seem like they are copying secular
DD>bands,

Huh? 

Since when is "that which is copied" is secular"?

Look at Creed! They are Godsmack with a Christian bent...which came 
first? And they are BOTH A.I.C. clones mixed with a bit of Soundgarden 
and...

Point is, what religious bands should they copy?

DD>but just putting in Christian lyrics (or "watered down" lyrics
DD>to appeal to those of different beliefs)?

The more successful Christian bands ARE changers with the times...
like ALL other bands!

Methinks your arguments is silly.
For what you are saying is that "Christian bands" can't adapt to current
trends, or to their own more modern wants, without being called 
followers of "trends"...but I don't see you complaining about EVERYONE 
else that "evolves" within the music scene.

AGAIN, it's a moot point, IMO.
 
Christians can do whatever everyone else does without MY judging them!
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5a