Hi!
I know that being open is a mindset and obviously it takes more than a generation to adapt...
Anyway, how about showing some mockups at least of your new GUI for the sequel with any information that is "secret" removed as I'm sure that this community would love to whine about the things they don't like and hopefully give some positive feedback of the things they like? The current GUI sucks, and you know it. Some of us here actually have a lot more experience than you regarding GUI design, so consider it free consultation
If I where you I would even release a beta of the new GUI without the game executable included so people could try it out...
But, as we can't even see pictures as everything is so secret I'm just dreaming, must be that I've been hanging out at Project C.A.R.S too much... They show everything even though they have fierce competition in their niche.
/mazex