I don't think it does any good to speculate. If we're honest we're going to buy this game no matter what.

After we get it we'll start begging for a patch to the otherwise unplayable game, scream that we're going back to MTW never to touch RTW again, moan about the lack of historical accuracy etc.

I can say this since that's how I react myself...

The coregamers (us) are secure customers. We're not the focus for this new game since we'll get it no matter what. It's time to bring new blood in, and that means flashy graphics, easy interface and flaming pigs.