The idea that there is a chance that RO players won't like HOS is important to consider because if it wasn't for the dedicated players, RO would have died long ago.
We can only wait and see what the differences will be between RO and HOS. Despite the criticism, I want HOS to succeed. You see, I've been playing RO exclusively for years.
That said, it is important to note that (according to what I've read) a number of the things that kept this RO player in the mix are threatened:
RO: Heroes defined by their actions
HOS: Heroes defined by time playing
RO: Logical inspection of one's playing style to improve
HOS: Leveling
RO: Fog of War
HOS: HUD radars
RO: Situational Awarenes
HOS: GERMANS ARE ATTACKING EAST PARK
RO: Teamwork and combat awareness
HOS: Peripheral movement indicators
Etc.
It certainly seems that a great number of features that may have illustrated the ability of the common man to be heroic have been neglected for features that attract buyers. This risk is compounded by adding ahistoric game aids.
Watering down the RO experience may very well attract players from other games. An unintended consequence may be that it will alienate the people who played RO because it wasn't watered down.
The other game players will move on to the next hot game like they always do. What may be left in their wake is a fragmented remnant of today's community.
We can only trust, wait, and see.