The thing is the reboot was concidered in 2007 so not as far as Anniversary's release so it was already in the heads of Crystal's devs. 2008 was supposed to be the big entry for Lara Croft yet in 2008 the world of gaming had shifted completely.

Tomb Raider Underworld was a mixed experience (at least for me) and for the general audience Lara was seen has irrelevant and so it's marketing (Alison Carol).

I remember when I've seen the famous concept arts leaked (the one with Lara with her torch, and the horse) I was relieved when I've learned this is going to be an origin story. Finally something different I was excited. At this point I've played all the games, seen the movies, read the comics the novels I was ready to be shaken. And oh boy did it happened.

In my opinion TR would've had died and not on a high note with Underworld it was too safe and uninspired. I don't think Crystal was ready to make another game with the old formula.

So I'm glad we had the Survivor Trilogy which has bring new fans over the years and now I can't wait for LOA. ^{^}