"My understanding is that the Conservative movement was started by people who, in an effort to return to at least some tradition, broke away from Reform Judaism. However, they were not prepared to return to what is now referred to as Orthodox"
That's precisely what it's about. The problem is, these days it's drifting back towards Reform and has ceased being distinct. Its role has been usurped or replaced by the Modern Orthodox movement.
I belonged to a Reform temple for many years before it dawned on me what the denomination had become. Now I don't go to any of them, not being religious enough to join an Orthodox temple, and having the idea that Conservative is fairly close to Reform in many ways.
I may have rejoined our old Reform temple since I used to enjoy sparring with the Rabbi about the leftism of Reform Judaism, but he passed away, and it all seems kind of pointless now.
Planning a Seder with my wife though, tonight.