I think the big difference between Madden and NHL is that Madden is built for offline and then adjusted for online, where NHL is the opposite. Some of the biggest problems with offline modes both on and off the ice are due to the AI programming which wouldn’t be fixed by moving the modes online.
The offline modes are also in need of some major work and if most of the focus is getting it online in 3 years and then working on the nuisances of the mode, the offline community is in for a long haul before things actually start to look up.
Add in the fact that the majority of offline players are trying to create a true sim experience and the direction of the game is clearly going towards a more arcade style of game as it seems to be the preference of the online community.
There seems to be optimism from the game changers about the offline modes and I will definitely take their word for it as it’s all we have right now. I also have no issues with the game being created to please the majority of its players, but you can see where there might be some initial skepticism.
