I get why an editor might not want to produce covers with positive expressions. It might be considered inane, part of an era where women were always smiling out from the front of magazines.
However, what's considered a success in this respect? Selling more issues of a magazine because the cover is appealing, or scoring a 'win' by going against that and... not selling as well?
I've noticed recently that Hearst is back to promoting those economy packs, with UK Bazaar and Elle bundled together. They wouldn't be the most natural of bedfellows, the maturity level is different.
If you wanted UK Bazaar and also got UK Elle, it would be like "bring your child to work" day.