As far as EA knows, group one loves the game as is. I hope they understand EA can't hear their forum complaints and worst company in America vote over the volume of their wallet.
Though I think group two is the minority, I don't believe it's so drastic that if all unsatisfied parties showed some restraint, it wouldn't show up on EA's bottom line. Though folks like us are the most vocal in forums, I have a bunch of friends that feel the same as me that don't visit forums like OS. We went from everyone having a copy of Madden to exactly 1 person I know that still buys it. And when we get together, it's the last game to see the inside of a console if at all.
I agree many only watch the ball when watching NFL football, but there are replays and commentary that show/tell exactly why plays work & don't work. Some may not be aware exactly why Madden doesn't play out like what they see on TV, but I think many are. They may not be clamoring for it like some of us, but almost all would notice immediately if blocking interaction were fixed.