In the long term, I see J.C being a success. OK it opened in Dec, with few outlets opened, and the high rents are putting off some of the smaller businesses.
But only 4 months of high season and its being written off?
If Patong is serious about being a bigger holiday destination, then JC will have a part to play.This place I can see appealing to the more family orientated market.
When the cinema(s) open, it will be another welcome addition for both locals and tourists (in the wet spells) All new complexes need time to find their market. The new hotel will possibly appeal to the business user and the Japanese market.
If Robinsons move in , that will become another good attraction for tourist and local alike.
The amount of baht spent in getting this place finished means it will not be going away anytime soon IMO. It has to be given more time to be a success, which Im sure it will be. Now they need to get adequate road access around JC and move those tuk tuks out of it.