I'll say first, since it's not football "season", we've likely lost a small percentage due to the game isn't on everyone's mind right now.
But to your point, MFN always had football fans and fantasy computer gamers. But catering to one was always going to drive off the other. Some of us do spend a lot of time one gameplans and roster make-up. Some guys just want to log in have a little fantasy fun. But small gameplanning tweaks became gameplan overhauls when 4.4 was released and casual players threw up thier hands in disgust. We all heard the calls of "boring" from one side while the other side dug in with "muh realism" replies.
So, 4.5 was rushed and released and unsurprisingly, neither side was happy, which caused more owner defections, this time from both sides. Those that came up with a GP for 4.4 had to start again. Those who didn't still weren't happy with the depressed stats and scores.
And so in this titanic struggle between the hardcore and fantasy users, the hardcore group (unsurprisingly) won out since they dedicate more time in beta (and hats off for what you guys do!).
So what should the dev do? Cater to the games most loyal users while alienating a larger, more casual group that could offer the game a bigger financial windfall which could grow the game? Or go for the larger user base and turn away the devoted few?
I think 4.5, while rushed, is the compromise. We aren't playing 1980s football, but this isn't Madden either. The game will add players again. Once August rolls around, new gamers will want their football fix, former users will check back and some will play again with the "Great Struggle of 4.4" a distant memory. Live and learn. Adapt and overcome.