I think the commercial rock scene was overdone at that point, and the CP album seemed like overkill on that scene (to me). Even the hair metal bands had somewhat abandoned it. I found the grunge and Britpop to be way better music, new, and groovy. It wasn't stifled by heavy handed production like the CP album. I am surprised Page didn't want to pick up on that vital scene instead of the classic rock thing. Where I found it commercial is in the production, they went to Little Mountain in Vancouver, a very commercial studio of the day. It sounded like corporate rock to me. I found it cheesy in in song titles (Feeling Hot, Whisper a Prayer for the Dying, Shake My Tree). I also found Page's ideas cheesy. The guitar theme of Take Me For a Little While, the electric guitar entry in Pride and Joy that ripped off Dazed and Confused, and the lack of subtlety in the production are examples. I find his stiff playing cheesy as well. It's hard to see this as the same player that was on Satisfaction Guaranteed, such a relaxed, groove oriented song. He did find a groove on Don't Leave Me This Way, though, that was nice.
JPJ got it right at that time, he teamed up with Diamanda Galas. That had some great results.
I like most of the production on WIC. I know its a bit muddled, but I find that brought out more of the human element. The production on CP is too bright and obvious for me.
That's just me though. I'd like to enjoy the album, it's Page! I just don't, that's all.