The Hull deal seemed to happen pretty quickly and close to the end of the window, so I think they got a jump on their competitors. As you say, no doubt that at least some of those other clubs were also tracking him.
Now that Hull are dropping down a league maybe they think they can entice him away.
I have no idea how he'll develop, but Scott always looked like a footballer to me. Craigan used to complain he didn't shoot often enough and Robinson would get frustrated that he didn't use his size to his best advantage, but those are things that can be coached. He drifted in and out of games sometimes like youngsters are prone to do, but we definitely missed him when he moved on.