Honestly, I don't really know how the cartoon business works. My impression is that unless the show pulls really stellar ratings, like Legend of Korra, their income must come from the sales of toys and tie-in products. Greg Weisman said that he can't reveal how much a YJ episode cost, but I assume it's not cheap. And with a planned toyline cancelled (supposedly, the best source of income for a kid oriented network besides Ad segments), there is no point from a business perspective to continue producing the show if it's not going to generate enough income to compensate the loss of a source of income .
Also, any disagreement between a toy company and a network can also screw up a show. Supposedly, that's what happened with Transformers: Animated. One of the best shows ever made from the franchise, but the fallout between Hasbro and CN made the show end earlier than it should and ensured no DVD from Season 3 to come out. At least Hasbro had enough with CN's bullshit and created their own network. They have their own studios to produce their shows, this ensure they are safer from screw ups. Now we got Transformers Prime, that is great show, and Season 3 is already confirmed. Say what you want about Bayformers, but the money these movies made for Hasbro sure were put to good use.
Also, any disagreement between a toy company and a network can also screw up a show. Supposedly, that's what happened with Transformers: Animated. One of the best shows ever made from the franchise, but the fallout between Hasbro and CN made the show end earlier than it should and ensured no DVD from Season 3 to come out. At least Hasbro had enough with CN's bullshit and created their own network. They have their own studios to produce their shows, this ensure they are safer from screw ups. Now we got Transformers Prime, that is great show, and Season 3 is already confirmed. Say what you want about Bayformers, but the money these movies made for Hasbro sure were put to good use.
