Poor word-of-mouth and the DLC "controversy" played a part, probably, but I'm hesitant to say that anyone outside of a certain niche give a damn about "skill" in their fighting games. If they did, we wouldn't even be talking about the fifth iteration of rock-paper-scissors-titties.
Hey, I like Rock Paper Scissors and titties. :'( I even bought Rock Paper Scissors and Titties Xtreme Beach Volleyball. :'(
Well, the gems and "no skill" bit is mostly the SRKtards. I mean they throw the same shit at Smash Brothers due to the items being
intended (but unlike SFvsT can be turned off there) in gameplay, which makes a logical point if you're wanting an "even balance" skill thing.
But I'm talking out my ass since I haven't given SF vs T the time of day after hearing of the gem system and them wanting to make you pay for more gems/better gems to use.