There are just way too many cliches been thrown around (many by journalists), that have no traction. Here's one: Change.

The NDP got the same pop vote they did in the 2013 loss . They didn't gain any new voters since Dix. None. (They actually received less than Gordon Campbells last two victories). Mainly through riding re-distribution and close votes, they simply picked up a few more seats, and still failed a majority. 

Clearly, the people wanted a change in the gov't style, NOT a change OF gov't. They wanted change, but not sex-change. The real change came in voter's desire for a more effective opposition, the Greens.