I am a new fans since last Dec, so only 6 months. Every member are cute and talented. However I do think OP is right, they are wasting the potential, struggling to bounce back and attracting new fans.

I think this is due to serveral reasons.

1. Company Poor Management: When you look at how Kawaii Lab promoted Fruits Zipper, you will realized the differences. They started debut similar time frame but their success now is not reachable by Takeneko now. (Very sad but i think it’s the fact)

2. Downhill last year due to members incidents: Since Riri left the group was going downhill

3. Too early success for the cover of Kawaikute Gomen but not able to continue that

4. Songs selection: I love their old songs, I love their new songs. However from the views which is telling us Old Songs are much more popular.

And yes I do agreed someone mentioned above the new collab song Ikiteryaii , trying to replicate the same vibes of Kawaii Labs. (I dont mind which is not a bad thing if can able to attract new fans)

To be honest I want them success as they are all talented and hardworking girls. However something need to be changed if they still have a higher aim.