The fanbase? If they're such big fans why are they still on the demo?
The demo didn't get crappy, it got better by giving a better, broader impression of LFS. Sure, it will probably drive away a certain type of player, but those were never the type of player LFS was made for.
As said, there's a simple solution. The demo was never meant to provide anything more than a small taste.
Tough. That's not LFS' problem though.

 and also you complain about false gearboxes when you are using Auto Gears. And the comment about gearboxes in general 
 did not get it.