Im Partial, But Really???

Everything you read about running a successful Etsy shop stresses the importance of great photos.  Something that always strikes me is the focus on models.  The help articles consistently mention getting models for your clothes/jewelry/bags.  Below is my most recent experiment, the R2D2 costume. 

                                                                                R2D2 Costume


I've used professionally shot and modeled photos, unprofessionally shot and unprofessionally modeled photos and  flat product shots.  Every time - without a doubt the flat shots get up to 10x more views than the modeled products.  Even when sitting side by side, people purchase the items that use the flat product photography.

                                                                                 R2D2 Costume

I think my daughter is adorable (albeit unprofessional) and I acknowledge my bias.  I also realize my photography skills are lacking.  But if the universal advice is "use models", why doesn't it work for me?  Even my professional and BEAUTIFUL shots are passed over for my bland, unprofessional flat shots.  What's going on here???