Not massively thought this through as I've learned not to expend too much energy on this sort of thing but...
If it is apparently the case that Aces High does not appeal to the new generation of gamers, why not see if
previous players might be attracted back. Given that a good percentage of those might now be retired, or become bored of other games or hobbies, or grandparents, or otherwise preferring to be more home-based now, why not send an email to everyone who has had a subscription for a year or more and offer a special try-it-again month-free subscription offer?
That would neutralise the learning curve and the players not sticking around for half an hour because they didn't like the interface, controller setup WHY business - they’ve already been through that. A month would give them enough time to de-rust and see if they might like to play again. While that is ongoing it would increase the effective number of players in the arena(s) for only the cost of a few Starbuck's cups-worth of extra electrons on the servers. It's win-win! Might even consider doing this in phases: n-number for this month, the next batch for the following month, to preclude a one-time only lump of potential returners. If those players still have old squaddies flying, you might also mention that.
Further, why not have a forum amnesty and do the same. Anyone who has been PNGed for what amounts to a non-death penalty offences could be emailed and invited back, with the similar offer. Possibly some players have stopped playing because of ill-feeling.
Previous-players have probably not been
actively courted in the history of AH, if not, might be worth a shot.
Just a thought.
