I think in this case, sales really does tell the truth. Bone's MUSIC was/is more popular than Wu Tang's, while the Wu's BRAND is stronger due to their business ventures. Both groups were out at the height of FANDOM. I didn't pay $20 for a CD just because. I had to really feel your music. There weren't many true Wu fans that I knew of, just lovers of their singles (Cream, Ice cream, Triumph, etc..). I couldn't ever get into them like that though, as a group. Meth, Rae and Ghost was all I wanted to hear. I tried to like that Triumph album but, it was a no-go.
Bone was just better to me. They sold more because they appealed to more people. It's simple. Some people didn't know what the hell they were saying, but harmonizing and melodies is a hell of a drug, especially for radio. Also, to sell that many records, you must be popular in every region, so quit that "I ain't know anybody who listened to bone" shyt. Somebody in your hood was listening breh. Bone's talent is undeniable. They started falling off when the group turmoil reached its peak (BTNH resurrection was good, but was a big drop off) yet still went gold with only 3 members years later.
I don't have to shyt on Wu because I think Bone was better. I KNOW Wu is one of the GOATs. It's a matter of preference. Men lie, women lie, but numbers don't when it comes to popularity.