I agree to most of the statements above. One thing one should mention is maybe the higher frustration factor that occurs the more complex and realistic a sim gets. And also the technical requirements increase the better the physics are. That could lead to higher hardware costs (look at contemporary flight sims that are hard to play without HOTAS systems and TIR against human opponents).
If you combine all arguments as seen above it's IMHO rather obvious that the market for high end sims is shrinking. A reason for software studios not do develop hardcore sims - unfortunately.
What I really miss in DW is the atmosphere of being on a ship. I don't feel staying on a bridge. It would be nice to have the imagination of sitting in a "room" (maybe with the possibility to look around) and to have more "busy" ambient noises (people talking or moving, alerts, etc.). That's even more important for me than the outdated 3D models. And I would love to see ships with a realistic movement in the waves...
As the music changes in case of action it should be possible to change ambient noises from "relaxed" to "alarmed" too, or not?
Btw.: Am I right that the core code of SCS' products is similar? I once imagined a merged version of DW and FC - either playing the admiral or jumping into a single unit. Maybe fun in single player missions?