I have been one of those lurkers reading everything, but so far not even registered for the forum. I have actually started playing several years back. Now I registered for the forum, as I would like to add a few more points to this thread.
This game is appealing not only on the "gaming" level of having fun playing the game, but also on an intellectual level, where e.g. The ship building can be a very challenging task. Now acetal years back there were certainly more people playing than nowadays, so I could understand (but doesn't mean agree) your lack of interest to provide any support. This actually creates several potential disadvantages for you and actually may block potential other pathways of positive (even financially):
1. You are neglecting your most loyal players, those which are actually hard to find and which are the core for every business
2. The game still has potential for development. It would normally be easier to "upgrade" an existing game than to develop a totally new game. Even if some changes might need to be radical. Without your support in game, that user base will and has shrunk, making it difficult to gauge any new ideas.
3. Even launching this game (with some modifications) under a new name would probably easier and cheaper compared to a new game, if your user base is there or at least a satisfied core group of players.
4. Other companies have been also "rewarding" their most loyal players by inviting them for beta trials of new games developed, who could bring in their insights for further refinement.
5. If on the other hand, there is really no interest in this game, you could have either sold or leased to someone with an interest in it, who could have further developed it.
But for any of those options to be viable, a good user basis is important and for that a very good support. Otherwise people feel left ignored, then they too will ignore this game.
At least by showing some more presence and answers will show some respect towards your customers, in whom, you as a game developer is most dependent of. That will in some ways also reflect in your results!
Thank you for listening this far.
MarcoPolo