I think what alot of people miss with or what was HS2 is it wasn't just about passengers but also freight ie by moving alot of long distance traffic off the old rail network, already clogged up roads etc onto a high speed line or what would have been one and so improving local and national freight services.
It's a shame more of a handle wasn't paid to the increasing costs for HS2 but then when the rail network was originally conceived had our Victorian friends agonised over costs it would never have been built in the first place, same with canals etc and all the other fantastic engineering projects. Perhaps they just had more competent accountants.
It's a shame this country will now be left with a half hearted transport system that just happens to be in the South
Definitely agree with comment above, look at Japan on how to do high speed rail properly.
Tim.