Quoted from zacaj:

Your answer is right there All the JJPs are clunkers. Some people seem to enjoy each of them (well, minus Hobbit), but the appeal is always mixed.
Also, all their prices are way high compared to the other manufacturers. Some people will still buy at that price, but the second hand market seems to want them to come down to a more reasonable price point compared to what other games are available

Quoted from flynnibus:

It's my belief (interpretation, opinion, postulation...) that the new price point for Wonka and rotation away from what was POTC is not driven by wanting to make the games more operator focused -- but changes the management pushed to make to improve the viability of the product period. Route friendly comes as a benefit of doing so -- but they still aimed to sell CEs, LEs, etc.
If we carry forward my postulation that POTC was killed because it had unacceptable margins... Wonka is the 'solution' to that. A game with better forecasted demand and better margins due to simplification and BOM. Bring out a new lower price point to improve your product's reach and focus on ensuring minimun margins in your build.
But Lawlor did specifically call out making the game more location friendly... I think we need to see the next titles to see where they are really heading. I think we'll see more like Wonka... a cost conscious standard, and luxury targeted LE/CEs. But I hope they are learning how their moves are received and we see even more change.