I think it's the fact that Triotech had worked with Cedar Fair and that while Guardian wasn't a hit with the fan community, it was with guests and has a changeability factor, not to mention they were able to manufacture it at such a low cost. I don't think it's as much of an excuse as it is a misguided choice. Theme park fans were much more lenient to the Log Ride and Mine Train do-overs due to the fact that Cedar Fair had set such low expectations as a brand (I mean, at least Six Flags would try sometimes), so even though the animatronics weren't Disney or Universal quality, they were advanced enough and the scenes were lit so well that it wasn't a big deal. Plus two aging classics got a pristine makeover that didn't insult the original. This is due to the fact that they handed the project to Garner Holt, who had a lot of experience and knew how to make things work.
If Cedar handed this ride off to the Goddard Group or Holt again, they would make it work within budget limitations. Instead, Knott's is trying to work alongside a designer who, if we have to be totally honest, excels in making the cheapest product possible that can still attract an audience. Unfortunately they must not think much of their audience (or have incredibly stupidly large egos) when they proclaimed to produce something that can stand along the giants. Everything we've seen so far is the contrary.
Saddest part is that this is the finale in a three-year plan of Ouimet's to brighten the family side of the park and make it a suitable companion to entice guests to spend a day of their Disneyland vacation over in Buena Park along with the locals. I have no doubt Cedar Fair is going to demand either a new coaster or a retrack of Ghost Rider in order to hinder itself against Potter at USH in 2016. Whatever Iron Reef is, we just have to live with it.