Expectations, let alone the expectations of this forum are impossible to meet. PD isn't a massive studio, it's large, but not massive. It's inhouse work. Work is tripled and it's extremely complex. Things of this current generation showed that expectations usually are not met. Racing games are very few, quality racing games on consoles arn't exactly common.
Curiously, do you work to prove every single customer you have meets expectations? Are you willing to double, or even triple your personal limits to meet them? Even if you're in a lose/lose situation with most of the base but you meet enough for the loyal returning base?
Not sure why you and others are worried about the companies image. I can understand company support - unless you're employed by them. Support your product and if you choose to stand by it rather than demand of it.