I question if a singular person can really be blamed for writing poorly and killing the roleplay.

I think a lot of getting off the ground is trying to balance player expectations from the interest check with the actual play in the in character. It isn't likely 'subpar' writing killing it, but the expectation not meeting up with the play.

I also see that a lot of 'unique concepts' aren't formed well enough before they start and that causes a lot of issues with them. Too often I see people jump in and rush their 'original concept' and that is what kills it. Ideas often need an extra amount of time to flesh out than people give them to really make them as compelling as the initial synaptic firing.