[BigAls87Z28]

Its a very big drop in expense. It also allows the marketing money to go towards less cars, giving each car more money, IE Camaro's budget is for itself, and not to be shared with a Firebird.

When you look at stats of the dead brands, they have a very very low return rate to not only to GM but to the brand itself. I believe there is a recent report that only 33% of Pontiac owners returned to Pontiac or elsewhere in GM.
Saturn is also very low because for a very long time people didnt realize it was part of GM. When Chevy squashed a lot of development and funds set aside for Saturn, Saturn owners looking to move foward and upwards found nothing.
Hummer and Saab owners are also seen the same, not associating with a GM brand, and just the imagine of that brand. Saab and Hummer has/had a very loyal following, but will not return to GM.