It has no additional flavor other than adding sweetness. I would rather have no syrup than “fake” pancake syrup (e.g. Ms Butterworths).
I much prefer maple syrup. Of course it is expensive, so the Log Cabin table syrup is a good substitute that still has actual flavor and is affordable.
Edit: Also if you still want maple flavor for cheaper, a mix of half maple and half cane works good, like the stuff at Cracker Barrel. It doesn’t deserve the hate.
Not sure it’s popular. I think that the majority just didn’t care.