The budget is a crucial aspect in all this, and one that seriously mitigates against DS. Obviously the WB could afford to spend that money on the series, but being able to afford something doesn't mean it represents value for money, which is the real argument when creating a network schedule.
DS was never going to be a cheap show - there's a big cast, established high-profile actors attached, expensive locations and production values, along with heavy artistic demands. If you're looking to cut costs on the show, there really aren't too many areas you can easily save cash.
At a time when drama is increasingly expensive to produce, plus increasingly difficult to get audiences behind, DS on paper represents a big financial risk on an "oddball" show that doesn't scream mainstream appeal.
The show was always something that would require a leap of faith from a network to have a chance in today's market. Sad though it is, within that situation, and bearing in mind the current constraints networks face to survive, I can totally understand the WB verdict, even if I disagree with it.
And sadly, the same arguments will apply to any other network that considers the show. Which is why I'm convinced that until the marketplace changes, the show has a near impossible fight from the word go.
No conspiracy, no dark secrets... Never forget that it's called showbusiness.