I'd put my money on BUDGET. They wanted a new coaster. It's been a few years since their last one and this fit a category and a friendly price while also investing money elsewhere and in other projects. That and the money being spent on the Dragster refresh is probably coming from this years budget and 2024.
It's hard to imagine but the park is a business and doesn't have unlimited funds to just drop in whatever thoosies want. Decisions have to be made that are best and check off numerous boxes, including cost.
Family coasters aren't meant for people who post on forums, You're not their targeted audience.
Spinning mice are extremely fun and it was something the park needed. I really miss Wildcat and while this isn't that, it'll do the job. The park survived just fine with Wildcat in their line up for decades.