My reaction is that the fog complaints have fallen off because most of those in the forum who were not fans have already made their opinions known, having expressed themselves right away because of very strong feelings (and the dissatisfaction also triggering voices from those inactive or new to the forum).
I don't know about "very casual non-gamer types" but I have never been a gamer and Elvenar is my first of this type. Based on some conversations I've had with people I met after I joined the forum (I was six months in, solo, somewhere in chapter five), I think I've fallen somewhere in-between. Too hard core for the true casuals and too casual for the true hard core players. (none of that bothers me, just finding my place, which is wherever it is and I'm not trying to be one or the other, labels unnecessary). I have noticed the level of gamer-talk here (and it doesn't bother me, I do my best to follow and learn), but I never thought about whether those player types were typical or average of members here (they just had more tech talk to enjoy discussing and debating, lol).
I had a difficult time getting the hang of the fog format at first and I have no doubt it cost me some progress/artifacts (I haven't had any trouble with anything else I've encountered in Elvenar). There was a bit more of a learning curve than I like but I wouldn't mind it once I got the hang of it (there's just a bit of a price to pay until then, which is unfortunate). I'm speaking for myself, of course, but I doubt I am alone.
I understand the value in variety of formats, but I am very happy with the current format (or the traditional chests that came earlier this year--March was my first event). With the fog, I just felt like I had to choose between prizes and progress, which has not been a concern to me with the current format. It is likely I still don't understand the fog strategy and I am still a bit frustrated. Next time it comes around, and no doubt it will, I'll give it another go, but I'm not looking forward to it.