I would rather pay for a core set of BT rules in simple, black and white format, minimal illustrations for examples, no slick photos, no fluff or fiction, just the facts so learning the rules and looking up details isn't a treasure hunt.
And yet, Battletech, not following that, is certainly more visible then Star Fleet Battles, which does do that. In fact, I have never been
able to sit down and read the SFB rules like I have been able to sit down and read the Battletech rules. Then again, I also have to
be reminded oftentimes that CGL books have this new-fangled thing called an "Index"...and it is not even in a separate book! It is
right there in the book I have!
However, seriously: show me a current, successful game that does not have a built in fanbase from a successful movie franchise
that uses your method, sir. Battletech might not be like it was in the 80's and early 90's, but, then again, neither is the gaming
industry or the people who buy games.(Though, honestly, I do sometimes feel like going "Hey you kids! Get offa my lawn!" Yet,
I have to understand that the hobby has changed, and it cannot keep trying to appeal to an audience that has moved past where
I started. Heck, *I* have moved past where I started....though I still have to remember that having an index is normal, no longer
an actual selling feature!)