expense of ammunition is a huge factor. Every time I see 7-08 in the stores its $30-35 per box. 6.5 creed runs as low as 16.99 per box. With the great press it gets (and rightfully so). Most Hunters and shooters arent handloaders, and if you can get accuracy at 500 plus yards with factory ammo that price its going to be popular.
We also know remington is horrible about promoting cartridges. Look at the 30 RAR, 6.5 rem mag, 350 rem mag all cartridges that had promise. Look at the 6mm remington, ballisticly superior to the 243, but winchester kills them in marketing and pricing.
I am not sure where you live but here you find 7mm-08 from $14-$17 in many places. Some they even have rebates on hunting ammo.
like this...
From this at 14.99 ...
http://www.surplusammo.com/products/7mm-08-rem-140-grain-psp-bt-prvi-partizan-20-rounds.html
To this for $17...
https://grabagun.com/hornady-8057-american-whitetail-ammo.html
obviously this for average hunting but in line with the 6.5 CR and 260 rem....
https://www.outdoorlimited.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=h81489
One can find premium ELDX ammo between $24 and $28 dollars....
http://www.selwayarmory.com/hornady-precision-hunter-7mm-08-remington-150-gr-eld-x-box-of-20.html
That is about the same bulk park as 143gr ELDX ....
https://www.laxammo.com/hornady-6-5-creedmoor-143-gr-eld-x-20-rds-81499-detail
And then from there you have the high end ammo like solid copper and 150gr or 160gr swift, norma or nosler and also 168gr berger hunting VLD
if you can find locally that are above $40 and why more people end up reloading anyway.
One doesn't even have that option in smaller bores like 6mm or 6.5mm as they max out at lower grain for hunting with more reach and momentum.
But I think it covers well most of the basic needs for decent cost and then allows to do much more.
keep in mind the 7mm-08 hits like a 270 Winchester with comparable bullets.
Some makers reduce the loads because it is appealing to the users and there is really no need for
more. But the options are out there and they do not have to be expensive.
Of course there might be areas where they take advantage of demand and pricing but normally
it is pretty popular and pretty accessible.
I don't buy bulk because I reload but I see some bulk deals from online retailers from time to time.
I think many people do it for practice and average hunting and then they reload the brass.
But one can reload very easily with 308 cases including military equivalent so that is what makes
the round also so easy and attractive IMO.
I agree Remington sucks at marketing. That is no secret.
Merry Christmas everyone!