I would like to add here that a lot of people don't even actively use/search the forums to look for information.
I have read this whole thread and, as a new user (this being only my second season and first against actual players), I have my own opinions on what the problems are.
But, I just wanted to point out that people don't search the forums when they are new because searching the forums is a Supporter feature.
http://www.buzzerbeater.com/store/buysupporter.aspx#7The first reason I can see for people leaving is that when you first start, your team sucks. You lose games and you get relegated. That is a very big detriment. People want to be successful or at least want to feel like they have some control over their success. And getting booted from a league because you got assigned a random team of crap and then being forced to play bots for a season before you can play real players again is not FUN.
Second, everything is so slow. You have to keep in mind that most basketball video game fans are fans of console basketball games. The 2K series does what this site does, but with shiny graphics and live action and slam dunks and you get to make your own player and play as them! x's and o's on a court are nothing compared to throwing it down in HD.
An app would be great and most people who would play it would login to bid on players and staff and watch their games. Maybe even look at their stats. But, because there really isn't much else to do (besides troll the forums), the stickiness isn't there to keep people coming back to watch their teams get smoked or lay the smack down on some bots.
I come back because I like the challenge and I like the stats. I do analysis after every game and keep track of player and team records. But even I don't have a reason to login every day if there isn't a game. Once I got my roster mostly set, I don't even look at the TL except to marvel at the ridiculous prices people are charging and gasp in amazement at 21 year olds with Wondrous skills.
One thing I pointed out in my Trade Idea thread in the suggestion forum is that more ideas (like trading) should try to capitalize on creating conversations between the managers. Ideas that would lead managers to ask each other questions and negotiate with one another. I have heard that many of the long time guys use the OFF-SITE to discuss tactics and strategy. There should be more reasons to use THIS site to talk to one another.