You know, up until "Sandinista" at least they definately were not what was considered "Rock" or pop for the era. Maybe it was just Strummer's voice that kept it from crossing that fine line. I agree that London Calling is much tamer than the 1st LP. But, it's all Rock n Roll isn't it? Play London Calling back to back with what ELO or Queen, or most anything else the kooks at school were listening to then, and it definately is "punk" in comparison. I mean I definately understand your point, but then I have to ask myself how much of that understanding is based on my 30 years of corrupting my ears with everything that's come along since.
Whew.., taking too many words for me to say, I'd disagree with your statement in 1980, but could give it a bit of agreement in 2009.