Negative shows ruled even back in 2009. YRKKH being different from the usual negativity made it iconic & helped it earn a loyal audience. Akshara-Naitik are one of the rare non-Ekta Kapoor ITV couples who are considered truly legendary [ie. even by people who don't watch the show.]
It clicked because it was like an extended Barjatya movie. Even Sooraj Barjatya was told that Vivah would flop because the audience didn't want that simplicity anymore. But he persevered & it became a smashing hit! Even Kaira survived for as long as they did because the initial good writing built a loyal fan following.
Earlier YRKKH crew used to work hard on creating an original story with a realistic, ensemble cast. Now it's just another random show that steals stories from other shows/movies. Now their definition of 'positive' is tracks like the Mumbai one.. Where Kaira were a broken family, living in self-imposed exile, Kairav suffered from panic attacks, & it ended with a kidnapping.
And finally, I can bet money if the show gets cancelled.. DKP will use the excuse of Shivin's exit instead of realising that it was their trash writing.