^I think I've heard something like that too and that's part of the reason she chooses not to do a photobook (since bikini shots are like standard for those). Then there's the "want to be taken seriously for her talent" reasoning. Don't know how true either of those are though.
And yep, as expected Momo-Miya-Risa are the top Berryz members. XD Wow, congrats to Yuuka!
I don't know much about classic Momosu to be properly excited about Afternoon Musume but it does look interesting.