The top ten list, doesn’t show that Funcom operating in a niche market, isn’t profitable.
Also, which poll? If it’s the one I’m thinking of, I wouldn’t say that was a true representation of the entire community.
FC already attempted to implement the model you are suggesting. People didn’t want it. Those that do, can join a private server. I can not explain it more than that. (Well I could, but I’m not going to.)
Business is not as easy as you think. What is the cost of acquiring those extra customers? Is that cost going to see a return?
Unfortunately, it’s just not as simple as implementing new server settings.
As I said, I’m not opposed to your idea, but more so the “official” implementation of it.
I don’t see anything you have suggested that can’t be accomplished by joining a private server.