I've often thought about this? What do you do at Skelton Asda/Aldi when you've done your shopping. No-one spends 2 hours doing their shopping, do they?
Regarding the rest of the services? Yes it would be difficult in the present operating conditions to effect connections between services. It did used to work back in the day when we had the "four bus stops" referred to. Things were easier (better) from an operational viewpoint and drivers were told to wait for connecting services-to a point.
The majority - I'd say as high as 90% of people living in East Cleveland and dependant on public transport have gotten used to Arriva and what's provided. They've made/make plans accordingly. Sadly the remainder having been offered the various options mentioned didnt use them sufficiently and lose out. Things aren't gonna change anytime soon!
RE: Arriva North East: Upcoming Service Changes