I will always repeat that the main problem will always be the hosting issue. Without solving this, the game will not grow, because you can't even play with your own friends easily. It's just not very attractive to say to people play a game that you can't even have fun with your own gameplay style as a host. Team17 is the real problem. I think only if the company do something or maybe if the devs talk to them and reach an agreement things would change significantly.
Right now I do support any update to the game, like new terrains, new scheme options, real time, soundbanks played for every player (without needing to download packs), etc... All effort by volunteer and free work of the devs is amazing, these updates will keep me playing and interested on this community, but all of that will not solve the problem of not being able to host. It is like having a cancer in the face and use a make up to hide it.