What in game features would you sacrifice for longer routes? Realistic weather conditions and driving from daylight to dark. Realistic signals and maybe a diversion thrown in. Seeing Track workers On the line would also be realistic. Vibration on the joypad simulating wheelslip.
I would like to see proper shadows/lights, it is just so ugly when the shadows pop up in front of you but 100 meters ahead you cannot see any shadows. Or what about train lights? I can barely see anything at night I also wouldnt mind to see more life at stations, yards. A bit more variations at stations so I dont feel Im the only train driver