You got a point. Game going stall > forum negativity > bad image > less new players > game goes stall.

It's a bit too simplistic, misses some factors, but you get the idea.

More importantly: The easier one aspect affects the next, the faster it goes down the spiral.

Hence we, the vocal minority, have some responsibilities in this. This is not to say we should excuse everything but I, for one, adjusted my "negativity" slider way lower than I usual have it. Part of the reason being Iron Maiden, another being I don't believe NF to be solely made of money hungry marketers.



Regarding BNW and NC, I'm no NF staff but I can assure you they are being worked on. They said first half of 2017 last time they gave an ETA and are late, but it's coming.
While searching the forum extensively for minor stuff that are being worked on, I came across several references to those new areas.

Regarding current event, I'm not a fan of this type and I'm glad they not holding one for a toon everyone would use (diversity).