Actually these are the only reasons.. s1 was successful because sp didnt have competition and everyone agrees. The actors were better along with the story . Now they can't have so many leaps with great grand children . This concept ekta changed long ago..but why would anyone watch a dukh bhari dastan which they know will end up badly ? None of them will he happy in their life and face only kasauti? The overall mood of the serial is negative specially when audience knows the whole story from s1..those who dont can Google it .
The competition is severe now with web series catching everybodys attention..daily soap formats will also change to limited episode series. They will have to make the storyline crisper and better to keep the audience hooked. Drama sells but good and entertaining drama..not depressing drama...
For now i can only say what shivi said..prerna choose one man and stick to him and please for God sake dont look back.
That is also the general sentiment of the Forum irrespective of the fandom, isn't it?
This is the rightful and the ONLY route they need to take... There is no other redemption for the current track. However, they also need to prepare themselves for losing a chunk of audience, no matter which route they take. That will be the collateral damage they have to be prepared for.