The role playing stuff really turns some people off (I unsubscribed from that thread before it hit the second page). It could be that Care Bears are just running away with the game so it's not interesting - no-one was particularly interested in PB12 once it became clear that Serdoa and Noble were taking it seriously - but I think PB14 was unpopular from the start because RB users like interesting new approaches and clear explanations rather than the reams and reams of flavour and diplo that we've seen before (no matter how popular Commodore's write-ups are).
PB16 spoiler:
As someone who participated in the last unloved pitboss (the demogame) too I think you've just been unlucky...
PB16 spoiler:
Completed: RB Demogame - Gillette, PBEM46, Pitboss 13, Pitboss 18, Pitboss 30, Pitboss 31, Pitboss 38, Pitboss 42, Pitboss 46, Pitboss 52 (Pindicator's game), Pitboss 57
In progress: Rimworld
In progress: Rimworld