What exactly do you mean by casual gamer anyway? I'd say I'm a casual gamer, since I only play total war (and now, only EB). I've played through MTW, VI, RTW, BI, Alex, and M2TW. None of these games, nor any of their features, were too complex for a "casual gamer" like me to grasp--it's not like we're morons. Unless perhaps you refer to modding, I'm just puzzled as to which target you're trying to hit. If, on the other hand, you're referring (by "casual") to the class of players impressed by the games' graphics, then I'm afraid that "hardcore" games are just as much to blame.

But to be honest, as a "casual gamer," I've had no trouble dumping TW after the M2TW fiasco (I couldn't play anything but the campaign for almost 6 months, since battles would go by one frame every 30 seconds or so--had to wait for that to be patched). I don't spend much time playing video games and, as a result, I don't immediately buy into the hype, and I'm happy replaying the games that I truly enjoyed the first time around. If anything (since we're pointing fingers), I'd say that it's the "hardcore" gamers that are failing to learn their lessons, and who continue to prop up CA's mistakes. Everybody in the last few years has spent far too much time being dazzled by improved graphics to hold true to their commitments to hold CA to account. Topical enhancements like graphics don't just appeal to new players or casual gamers: hardcore fans are also sucked right in. Don't kid yourself.