TWGS should follow Xide's lead with TWX - put it out as freeware.  The game is no longer being developed and support from the developer is non-existant.  The support comes from the users and sysOps much the same way TWX went, although Xide was available for questions and suggestions during 2.02 and finally 2.03.  TWGS sales may be sufficient  to keep the app commercial but w/o development/support it would appear that it has to be dwindling.  I would love to think otherwise, but looking at the lack of an increasing player base.........
As previous discussions on the purchase of the code indicated there is no desire by the developer to sell it, and personally I would not buy the code/rights since the ROI would not meet the criteria I have on investments (my opinion w/o looking at the books). 
This isn't meant to stir a flame war, but as an observation from way outside the "inner circle".  I hope that Trade Wars will gather new players but it seems the opposite is happening with all of the available "eye candy" games that are out.
I do not think TWGS will go the way of TWX in regard to freeware, just stating my thought.

               / Promethius / Enigma / Wolfen /

"A man who has no skills can be taught, a man who has no honor has nothing."

I agree 100%.

I miss the older version we ran on our BBS years back with the many add-ons that a SysOp could have in a game. Instead, all we can do is work with the Gold editor, creating Aliens or ships. Would have been nice to see the AI portion developed, as well as a few other ideas and suggestions. All each SysOp can do is try to develop a game to draw in players. Having the add-ons or AI development would open doors for new game ideas, as well as draw in more to play. Not interested in buying the code, but having an option to allow other developers to come in and provide add-ons or such would be nice.

wishful thinking,   if we all wish enough.. maybe it will come true.