There's a big difference between the level I play at, and their level, but Wasps haven't had a powerful pack for some time. That can get into the thinking. Our squad has a relatively small pack, looking for parity and workrate for the most part, but often we'll come off the top for so long, then in the last 10 minutes try a maul, and go 10m forwards (better body positions), and even then not go back to it.
Perhaps a psyche of our maulc not being good enough, even when the evidence suggests otherwise.
My guess would be it's a player issue to be honest. The coaches can point out that things are going well, but players have to listen, and take that info in.
Having a forward as captain would probably make that easier, but then at the same time, in a game where the maul hasn't been going anywhere, but the backs have, you can end up with the same issue in reverse.