As a casual gamer, I find bases interesting, but not compelling. I like being able to use the base for storage and navigation (so much easier to TP from base than remember how to get where how), but upkeep and maintenance on the base is so far away from what I want to do with my limited game time.
It seems to me base issues are part of the larger picture, which (to me) looks an awful lot like a trend toward keeping the interest of casual gamers over (but not necessarily instead of) power gamers or role-players. I may be way off, but just about every change in recent issues has made it easier for me to play without spending 20+ hours a week on this game. I like that, but I can see how it makes some things--notably bases--fall by the wayside.
Just my thoughts.
