The Unesco damage was about the height / size of the stadium (as well as how it looked).
The original "St Lukes" presentation footprint was 60,000. (Benitez - fact). It has come down because the club lacks backbone. They don't think we would fill it. They're also following the laws of supply and demand. So at 52,000 if we get more then they will sell all the seats.
I've always said if we had 52-55,000 at Goodison now (pre covid) we would fill it. So by logic a new ground, on the waterfront, no obstructed views, new stadium pull, we would have many more fans attending.
I think size thing has been played down by various people including Meis. Using words like "size envy". Elstone wanted an "intimate" stadium so people assume inimate means smaller capacity.
Then there's the fear factor, of having thousands of empty seats. I asked Meis directly about having a variable capacity. No. You see with the covid games how even basic covering can mask empty seats.
I always wanted around 65,000. If you have an unattractive game you can both reduce the seating capacity by taking out a section of seats, and also have price reductions/offers.
Most (big) clubs are in one way or another going for more than 60,000 we're too cautious.