I recently purchased CCD 1.3.3., it's a great game, but I have to echo the overall sentiment in this thread that it feels like it isn't living up to its potential and never will, unfortunately?
I bought it strictly for the mod and freeride aspect. I love being able to jump into a BMW, and just drive around with my Logitech G27. Yes, the missions and driving instructor part is nice, but for me, it's the unlimited test drive functionality that made me plunk down my $25 USD more than anything else. Sadly, though, there aren't that many 1.3.3. mods compared to previous versions.
I know this will change, but I think not making mods backwards compatible as possible is a huge flaw in the games core design because it throws away a huge archive of quality user made content. On top of this, as others stated, why are updates modular -- separate versions -- Compared to most other games where you buy the base game and then just add on to it from there?
I understand certain tech advancements (DX11 support) may require a completely new version, but doing it the standalone route severely limits the games community content and forces me to stick with whatever version I purchased.
I wish I had discovered CCD around 1.2.5. simply because there are over 300+ car mods that are tested and working from various sites. I feel I shouldn't have to buy and older version just to play older content... Content that was made for free. This part rubs me the wrong way and it almost makes me regret purchasing CCD 1.3.3. I also think this modular/standalone model may be a major turn-off for users on the fence who are considering whether or not to buy the game, too.
Now, I realize indie development is hard like Kivlov said, but I don't think he realizes how big CCD could become (with a little more effort) given how everybody games now and games aren't just defined as specific genres any more.
Euro Truck Simulator 2 proves how a niche game can go mainstream in an instant as long as the time and effort is put into the original product to capture that larger market. It's so big "American Truck Simulator" is close to release. Again, all done by a fellow European developer.
ET2 is a game even though it has the word "simulator" in the title. The sim aspect is very lite, but that doesn't make the game any less enjoyable. I think this is the same approach CCD could take because while it tries to market itself as a virtual driving aid... Truth be told, it's nothing compared to driving a real car and I am sure most of us here feel the same.
CCD is good for learning instrument flow and procedures (seat belt, mirrors, etc) when you are learning to drive. It's not a real driving simulator (Home Version), but that's OK. I think Kivlov and the team should embrace these limitations and then just polish up the "game" aspects more where it becomes like ETS2, a "sim-cade" experience that may appeal to a broader base instead of trying to make it a commercial driving training aid for home use.