The FSO's often land hundred of players that do not play in the MA's. I bet the number of players that do no play in the MA's but play in the multitudes of scenarios is far greater than most realize.
I think players come and go based on how they keep things in perspective. If players watch for and are entertained by the "flash-bang" effect of a game then the staying power will likely be short. If players shy away from the Rambo FPS aspect and take into consideration the simulation side of things, open their minds to the broad depths of AH all the different things a player can do, then the staying power will be longer.
I'm starting my 4th year and the scope of the game has changed enough and is still broad enough for me to keep paying $15 a month for the enjoyement and comraderie I receive from playing AH. Hopefully, with all the updates in existing aircraft and new aircraft and gv's being added, I hope to see more players come back that left for whatever reason. I have to believe that the upcoming changes to the gv game will bring some tankers over to the AH side from WoT. Who knows.
The things that are starting to grind on my nerves, for lack of better terms, are the lack of snow and desert maps (there are multiple beautiful snow and desert maps available for scenarios so why can they be brought over for MA use like that wretched Mindanao map???), and some small rinky dink detail stuff on some of the aircraft and gv's regarding load outs, etc. The white flag thing still bugs the **** out of me, too. But, I dont letthat get in the way of flying Mossi or Tiffy attack missions, search and destroy missions while in a Panther, or "sprint" bomb runs in a Boston.
Bottom line is, HTC will keep going as long as they have the heart to stomach the demands of the business and as long as they are making a PROFIT.