I dunno, I'd like to think it's more relevant than people not wanting to be "closer to smash." For spectators there's virtually no difference between a 1v1 and 2v2 in something like SFxT, TTT2 or MK9. For veteran players it adds nothing that you couldn't do playing solo. For new players it's less time spent playing the game and less opportunities to learn. There's just no tangible benefit with the way it currently exists in traditional FGs.
I think you're just hella projecting.
You're speaking as though context is not an important aspect of spectating. I think, If people watching know that a Jin/Kaz team is being played by Mike Ross/FAB, the context and thus experience will be different than were they spectating Kaz/Jin being played by FAB alone. Especially with commentators providing insight in regards to play styles. Granted, this is projecting also, but at least it has some foundation in our history of shared experiences, such as sports.
As someone that had a great time in the early 00's with the 4 player tag modes in DOA2 and TTT, I can say with confidence that the tactics and strategies involved in 4-player tag gameplay are different and offer new and interesting challenges and dynamics not found in 1v1 gameplay. Having to constantly communicate and be in tune with your teammate for tag-ins and team juggles is a lot of fun and a truly competitive team will have to build a strong foundation of synchrony and trust.
"For new players it's less time spent playing the game and less opportunities to learn. There's just no tangible benefit with the way it currently exists in traditional FGs."
I mean... you're really just talking out of your ass here. No offense. In a game where learning two characters simultaneously can be daunting, like TTT2, having a veteran player controlling half the team and calling the shots can take pressure off the learning experience in myriad ways. Of course, a lot that comes down to how well the vet teaches.
It's projections like that that geezers make why modes like that never see the light of day in a tournament - they never even gave it the light of day in their own homes, but they feel comfortable leveling opinions on it.
*Cue you telling me you've spent countless hours playing tag modes with buddies.
When the implementation is so lackadaisical it's hardly fair to place the blame on the games' communities for not giving them a chance. SFxT's cross assault is pretty much the only thing that's even tried to shake up 2v2s since like... GG Isuka.
"Lackadasical'? It just needs to be functional and we've had plenty of functional tag modes. Shit's not rocket science.