So what's really going on with this simulator and the persistent requirement to be connected online - servers really need improvement, or the sim needs to change

Fantastic!  A bit of clarity always helps.  I have issues with the performance sometimes, but at least having a clue helps manage expectations and relieve some of the angst.

However, I believe that there’s a lot MS could do to relieve a lot of the stress.  For example:

  1. Knowing where, and how heavily loaded, the individual download servers are and then allowing us to choose a less busy server or target a VPN endpoint near it.
  2. Knowing the relative connection speed between the various download servers relative to where YOU are, would allow you to choose a more optimal connection.

And stuff like this. It’s (relatively) inexpensive and would help everyone have a better download and game experience.

What say ye?