I guess I just can't figure out why they couldn't have left the bare-bones OTP version in there. If it isn't a priority, and they don't want to devote time to it, I guess I can understand that. The fact that it was so bare-bones, in my opinion, played a role in it not being overly popular, but whatever that's fine. But why not leave it in as is for those who enjoy it, see if more people start giving it a try, and if it ever does start becoming popular enough to warrant extra attention, expand the mode at that point? I realize it would still require server space, memory, and other resources to function, but we're talking about something that was already in the game, wasn't going to require any more development hours if they didn't want to devote the time to it, and was about as bare-bones as it could possibly get. Would leaving OTP in have not allowed the resources to make Draft Champions happen? I really doubt it, but let's say it did. Do we need another mode where you build a fantasy team and play another user 1v1 online? Don't we have Connected Careers and Madden Ultimate Team already? Could they not leave in the mode that was at least different than anything else in the game (even if it was under utilized)?
One of the things I love most about football is the team aspect. It frustrates me that our only football gaming option seems to have zero interest in emphasizing team play. Or forget emphasizing it ... even just allowing the ability to do it. We have couch co-op and Share Play on the PS4. That's the closest thing we have left to any kind of team play in this game. Whether that's the developer's fault for not creating a compelling enough OTP experience to draw people in, or simply the majority of the Madden Community simply preferring 1v1 over team play for online games, or a little of both I don't know. But it's definitely disappointing for those of us looking for its return.
Alright, I'll get off my little soapbox now. The thing I liked wasn't popular and isn't coming back. Tough ... don't buy it and move on.