Yes and no... Yes, to the only reason the popularity is because either, A) everyone wants to be a wannabe sniper so they buy/build rifles chambered for the same cartridges snipers use...Or B) because like you said, some gun writer said it was the 2nd coming of Jesus of rifle calibers.
I say no, because the 6.5 Creed only reinvented the wheel. The .260 Rem had been out for a couple decades before it, and still does everything better, except fitting in a SA with long heavy high-BC bullets out near the lands. That is the only advantage the Creed has over the .260 Rem.
You are also correct, the 6.5 SS should be mainstream. Phenomenal cartridge, as is the 7mm SS.