I realise a vast majority of people will have bought the game for it's realism. I myself tend to go for realism and beautiful graphics however I am sure that many people will have bought the game simply to play as a game.
I don't mean to be offensive, but the stats you provided below will reflect a tiny portion of those who play SS and don't really prove anything. I bet there are thousands of people who will have bought the game simply to drive ships around and try to sink them.
I don't think I was wrong, because I know of people who bought the game to see if they could 'sink a ship and smash it up' basically to have some fun. However I am sure that 90% of people who bought SS2006/8 will have done so for it's realism, I know I did
Just my thoughts...
Cheers,
Adam