I think the numbers spoke for themselves. There was only really the lunchtime Skipton>Appleby>Skipton that would appeal to the casual user - the other alternatives left you with too long a visit at Skipton or Appleby - Skipton was just about OK as it's a big place, but few would want several hours in Appleby. Yes, good for walkers/hikers etc, but that's not the mass market. Much better for customers to have the flexibility to do quicker return trips throughout the day.
I went on it last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Pretty full, good coaching stock, well organised.