Making the control mapping easier would be a start. Do you notice a lot of games give you a walk through on your first time playing? This is a lot to learn, with no help other than "go look it up online."
To keep the younger generation in flight sims, a good idea is to help them by making it easier. Im not saying change the flight model or anything, but help them learn. Think back to the first time you logged into AH, it was a lot to take in. This generation of "I want it now" youth, just want things easy, learning this game currently is not.
It really is the way the world for younger generations is heading... easier, faster, etc..