I think this might be because X-Plane isn't the type of "game" many folks are looking for in a flight sim. X-Plane prioritizes correctness and details above al

I think this might be because X-Plane isn't the type of "game" many folks are looking for in a flight sim. X-Plane prioritizes correctness and details above all else - whereas something like Microsoft Flight Simulator prioritizes eye candy and fun. Want to fly to Area 51, attempt to land a 747 on an aircraft carrier, fly above the pyramids of Egypt, fly between buildings and perform aerobatics - choose MS Flight Simulator. Want to practice patterns, procedures, participate in a live online ATC simulated community, familiarize yourself with new territory or airstrips, learn a new aircraft - choose X-Plane. That's not to say you can't use X-Plane for fun, it just means doing things like aerobatics might not come easy due to the focus on realism. Both are excellent simulators in their own right - just need to find the one you prefer. I personally fly X-Plane 11, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Prepar3D (based off older MS Flight Simulator codebase). Each has pros and cons.