I think even if they would like to, it almost can't happen, despite what the masses think. Plus that conversation move would devastate the current base who love individual purchases. AH subscription works because it was in the design from the beginning and they have all the planes, boats and vehicles already. HT is got a steady income with much less overhead. Frankly, if their issues are as bad as perceived, it won't save them. Too many will bail. Like I stated, they painted themselves into a corner. I think it's way too late in the game for that.
I'm ok with being wrong, it's just my predictions are unfolding, which means my instincts are on track, so far.
It's like a tooth cavity, ya only see the little spec of a hole,.. but underneath decay is rampant. OR compare to ice bergs.
AH's problems are obvious, nothing to hide there. if it ever got a 3D engine update,. this ship could turn around. There's a decent chance AH could outlive DCS, without an update. it may not be packed, but it's heart would still be beating. Some might want to consider not damaging it and delirium, they may need it some day.
I can't see DCS going anywhere anytime soon. Server numbers have been extraordinarily high the last couple months compared to previous years, espcecially considering the season.
And... I have NEVER seen numbers like I did today (because of the F-4). Not for the F-18, F-16, or even F-14 (which would have been more like today had it not been so expensive). It's 3am and there's STILL tons more than usual. I almost fell out of my chair when I got the "the server is full" message when I went to log into a popular training arena.
Earlier I think you posted DCS had hurt AH. Man, I just don't think it has. Until recently, I had only run into former (or current) AH guys a couple times (that I knew of). In fact (this will blow your mind), I ran across more former AIR WARRIOR players than AH. I at least thought that was kinda super-weird. I ~really~ think AH will, (or at least would) be perfectly fine as long as Hitech wants it to. It's extraordinarily good that people have, or at least know, there's somewhere to land should the AH plug ever get pulled.
DCS isn't so bad dude. Same with IL-2. You ought to give either or both a chance... they can both be just as infuriating or exciting as AH or AW ever was. It's good to change things up now and again... you don't have to quit anything.