Have the storylines on AMC/OLTL been bad for a reason?

Several years ago, with regard to AMC, I put out the opinion that the writers were deliberately trying to ruin the show so it could be canceled. Everyone told me I was paranoid, but I could not for the life of me understand why TPTB would keep writers like Megan McTavish and Charles Pratt on board when all they were getting was complaints about stupid storylines, plot exaggerations and character ruin. In view of the recently announced cancellations, I don't think I was wrong. I think it was an intention plot by Brian Frons (who BTW ured the viewers that AMC & OLTL were not going anywhere) to bring the ratings down so he could put some low-rent garbage on - like The Chew. Who the heck wants to watch something called The Chew? The Food Network would probably kick it to the curb for the name alone. I don't think TPTB necessarily Knew that soaps would end someday (although it's always possible), but I will go to my grave believing that Frons was directly responsible for the demise of a show that had 40+ year loyalty from viewers in favor of shows that probably won't last more than 6 months to a year.