I think you're right about them not caring who makes the game and how it ends up. That's stupid, since having a good game related to WRC would boost its popularity I'm sure of.
I think Codemasters have got the feel of the car weight about right. That's what's missing from a game like RBR where the cars feel a tad light. I would just like Codemasters to get rid of that stupid over the top bloom FX and yellow lighting. Look out of your window - it's not yellow. Like watching the world with cataract...
With elements from PS2 WRC series, Codemasters DiRT and RBR you would end up with a cracking rally game. Maybe look back in time as far as Rally Championship and CMR series?
Personaly I think someone else than Codemasters should get the license due to them having their fans and their fans knows what they want. I'm afraid Codemasters wouldn't like to risk their fanbase with a simple drive-very long stages-rally game and in the end the game would end up beeing a new DiRT. The US is king for Codies. Evoulution studios to give it a shot?
Cred to Milestone for trying but you've failed miserably in my eyes.
Or sorry - you didn't even try. Pathetic....