Just my five cents to this...
I totally appreciate the realistic handling of the sailing ships. Just played one evening (yesterday) and it was a bit complicated for me as a newbie to get an overview about all the features, but I got it. And I think it would be sad to make motor boats out of the sailing ships. Especially the realism in handling is a main reason to play and recommend this game to others - just my opinion.
Henry d'Esterre Darby hit the nail on the head when he said: "Please don't take sailing out of the sailing game." - Thats also my point.
A game don't have to guarantee a big efficiency but fun and I think: This game stands for the sailing age! What is more important for sailing than the incalculability of the wind?
I really love it as it is! Possibly that I will sigh sometimes, when I wait for the wind coming from behind of me... But please, don't change that!