Gear ratio’s and bigger wheels has been something Ive raised before. IME, as for the 650b wheel size, the 10sp 11-36 cassette works fine with the 24t granny ring and 34t middle.
I can see merit for introducing a lower set of ratio’s for a 29r, bigger circumference and all that shizzle, for those who are not as fit or strong as others. Good to put as OE on the ‘cheaper’ models within a range perhaps?
I can see the reason it may not fare too well aftermarket, is for the current fashion/trend towards 1x. Bit like stupidly narrow bars and 150mm stems were de-rigeur BITD. Funny how that one died a death 🙂