Don't forget that as a general rule, the more frequent the service the greater number of resources, thus greater operating cost, too. And ticket machine data gives operators a wealth of detail regarding travel patterns, so stronger routes on corridors can be identified.
There is a strong argument for simplification: rightly or otherwise, industry experience has shown that 'Simple and frequent' services have more chance of attracting non-bus users. For instance, I can't remember the last time I looked at the timetable for a coast road bus in North Tyneside. Even though each route is only every 15, such are the combined timetables, the corridor draws in loads of commuters from nearby estates.
RE: Go North East