I ignored the viewers as the ancients issue because it doesn't really work. I mean, if that's the case, Whedon is saying that the audience will revolt if you don't give them EXACTLY what they asked for and, IMO, that's bullshit. (Nevermind that the fool living is rarely a problem and usually a staple. They don't die until the sequel. Ditto for the one person who you thought was dead coming back to life.)

Also, if the viewers are the ancients, than this film is actually an argument in favor of the Hollywood machine and why movies like Cabin in the Woods DON'T get made. The movie probably should have ended with a studio exec waking up from this nightmare and greenlighting a remake over an original film.

I just saw the film as mocking the archetypes and cliches of horror films but if it is supposed to have some commentary on the viewers, then it's kind of a misplaced point IMO.