I agree with
@GooseOnTheLoose. The worst thing they ever did for Nemesis Inferno’s reputation was give it the Nemesis name and invite the comparison. If they’d just named it Inferno, or something completely different, I think it would be far better received. In my opinion, it’s an absolutely excellent coaster in its own right and firmly holds its own against Nemesis for me! I currently have Nemesis ranked slightly higher, but there’s honestly very little in it; I do like Inferno a lot!
We could have had it worse, though; if Wardley hadn’t intervened and said no, Tussauds were reportedly planning to just name it Nemesis! (The source for this information is
Making Thorpe Park by Chris Atkinson, a book that cites conversations with John Wardley among its numerous sources)
I haven't been on the Smiler yet, but I wonder it the reputation it gained is in part due to the truly unfortunate accident it subjected guests too? But I wouldn't be surprised if the Smiler gets new trains in a few years time, and seems a victim of being a bit overdesigned. Awesome logo and creepy themetune though.
For me, the accident doesn’t even factor into it. Plenty of rides have had accidents in the past.
For me, it’s just the fact that I don’t massively rate the track and train ride experience. That most recent back row ride in particular was not particularly enjoyable for me.
I can’t speak for others, but for me, the accident doesn’t even factor into my opinion of it. On a wider scale, The Smiler seems more popular among the average guest than it does among enthusiasts, and you’d expect non-enthusiasts to be more put off it due to the accident, in general, so I don’t think it seems to be hurting the ride’s popularity among the wider Alton Towers visitor populace!