I think the only reason they are less popular is because of the year delayed release they have compared to hardcover. I would like to buy non-hardcover, but also not waiting a year for certain stories. I do avoid brand new stories for the most part for this reason.

They’re lighter, cost less, more economical, can take on a plane with less weight thoughts.

They should try parallel releases before just dropping them wholesale.

Edit sequential > parallel too early -.-