In most cases, I'd agree with you, but on this topic for every article or study stating one side, there is another study suggesting a different outcome.
For me, it was an issue with marketing. I'm here to make money. The product will do fine. It will not be picked up by Whole Foods. There are too many educated consumers out there that can see this is just a diet soda with vitamins. Whole Foods usually does not take foods with artificial ingredients. I'll try to find a link on that.