While I agree with you to a certain extent (and I'm also very cynical when it comes to Madden), I think you're forgetting they only have a limited time to release these games. Sometimes, things get prioritized over others and there just isn't anything we, or the devs, can do about it. It took me years to understand this. This year, they had to prioritize the passing game with WR/DB interactions. CFM had to take a back seat one more year for them to do that.
And as annoying as this is going to sound, everyone had the option to either buy or not buy the game. Every year. Me, I chose not to buy it this year because I had a feeling they wouldn't focus on franchise, and I was right, so I'm not mad. I'm sorry for those who bought it hoping franchise would be fixed, but it was pretty clear the writing was on the wall it wasn't going to happen.
What I do know is, they
finally delivered
something (the whole passing game basically) that is unanimously being praised across the board from critics and most importantly, hardcore fans alike. That, to me, goes a long way. Especially given the amount of vitriol being thrown at this game from the hardcore community for years now.
So, to go back to what you said about 'it means nothing until fixes are made'... well, he did deliver (big) when he said he'd fix WR/DB interactions, right? No reason to think he won't live up to his word about franchise mode.
And if it turns out I'm wrong and he ends up fooling me, feel free to rub this right back in my face if he does.
