I also find that very surprising. But on the other hand, the last album was six years ago, which is an eternity in the industry - and the record company was perhaps not sure whether a new album would be so successful. A lot has changed in musical taste between 1985 and 1991.
Besides, many people who listened to Dire Straits or went to concerts didn't do so because they were real fans, but because DS were commercially successful and popular at the time. These people quickly change their orientation.
Maybe the record company also had an insight into the first versions of the songs and were not completely convinced of the potential?
All speculation, I know.