I always thought offering meals on short sectors was not necessary. I used to be a flight attendant when we rushed around with hot meals on flights today where only sandwiches are offered. Many is the time I wondered if we had time to finish the service, it was a mad rush to beat the clock.
People fly to travel not to dine and always have done, so I think it is a sensible move. It is of course a different matter on long haul flights when people need to eat.
I have also noticed recently a high percentage of passengers refuse the sandwiches and opt just for a drink.