During the transition from Tomb Raider to The Crypt, the front row of the gondola was removed so the gondola could be reduced in weight. This would, in theory, allow for a more acrobatic ride cycle to make up for the lost theming. The new ride cycle tore up the machinery more than the TRTR cycle so the cycle was yet again changed to the less intense two-flip cycle. If I can recall correctly, the ride opened with a two flip cycle and closed with a similar cycle.
This happend way before the ride was transformed to the Crypt! Paramount was the one who reduced the rows of the gondola not Cedar Fair!