1/ OUaT did the same last year during all the events … they always have a problem with recouping their numbers initially but then they get better.
2/ Rating system does not reflect the TVRs, INSTANT DOWNLOADS and streaming from Hulu, ABC and other such venues. That is where the real numbers are FOUND… repeats and people who watch the first time on line is not reflected currently in ratings.
3/ DVD sales is another way of gauging the popularity of the show…. DVD sales were pretty good from what I have heard.