Its speculation of course.
Agreed. Respect the passion for COH 2 and its general 'feel', but it would be very simplistic to suggest that this is the main reason. Its not even a fair comparison right now, and it wont be for a while.
The game needs way more maps, commanders and quality of life improvements before we can even start with that comparison. The question is, does the playerbase have the willpower to wait that long, or to maybe come back later? I wouldn't blame anybody if they said no.