The one good thing about this place is that people are willing to consider different viewpoints critically and maturely. Even where viewpoints are diametrically opposed, for the most part they are accepted as valid and heard out (granted there are a few exceptions that are beyond the pale but owners don't tend to be here long).
I get the point about it being aimed at growing a sustainable audience. The one about different formats having been tried over the years is also a fair one. Overall there was a lot to commend the edition and as Tordel's points out, it was only one week.
TB though, I'm in the "wouldn't this have worked better as a Summer Special?" camp. Personally I believe it would have worked better since it could have pointed to the prog, had the same level of exposure and still achieved the main objectives. Mainly because it stood as a one off / trial that contained a couple of strips that were unlikely to be continued for a while until the interest had been gauged. Folks would pick up the following prog expecting different things and not picking up a couple of stories midway through.
So for me the issue is about timing more than about it being a standalone prog. Perhaps if 2131 had been a jumping on prog it would have made more sense? Still, I get the counter arguments too.
