Hmm....you see I understand the point you're making, that over time the numbers interested and playing a game dwindle and therefore interest in various modifications drops.

Logically, that makes sense.

HOWEVER, if you look here, or at the TWC, or anywhere really, you'll see that interest in the many many mods out there hasn't dropped at all, and in some cases seems to have actually increased.

Another example of a game where support seems to live on far beyond what anyone would have expected is Operation Flashpoint. It just celebrated the 4th year since release and mods and units for it continue to be created on a regular basis. Just a couple of weeks ago a major mod, Liberation 1941, was released.

I'm not suggesting that Rome will still be as vibrant in 4 years as it is now (though nothings impossible) but it seems to me like they've got a bit of time yet. In addition, I would expect another wave of interest and enthusiasm in august as BI is released and people who had stopped playing rome or taking an interest in the community buy BI and rediscover their interest.