I've followed Motherwell for over 40 years, and times have changed beyond equal during that period:- Agents, Bosman, Taylor Report, Popplewell, seats, stewards, inflation, Ravenscraig, unemployment, etc., have all had a huge impact on the game in Motherwell.
A pint was 33p when it was 50p to get into a mostly uncovered Fir Park. A pint is now just under £3 while it's over £20 to get into FP these days. Quite a difference in %age rise.
We probably do have a hard core of 4,500(ish) and yes some do stay away when the Unsavouries visit. I used to listen with envy when my auld man relayed stories of MFC's Floodlight Friendlies and regular crowds of approaching 20,000
JB has to balance the books, and I doubt the crowd would have doubled had he asked for £10 at the gate.
Things are looking up on the park, and hopefully gates will increase accordingly.