Definitely not dead.
I finally bought FSX last week (it was on special offer at a local store) mainly so I could buy and use the latest Lightning and the Flying Stations Buccaneer. When I started it up I was shocked by how naked my world looked compared to my lovingly tended FS9.
It's not the lack of big ticket payware that's the problem, it's all those little files, often freeware that I've added over the years that makes such a difference. I like flying in my local area, the interior of Sao Paulo state, and over the years I've added so many little files of local airstrips and terrain that it's actually possible to navigate with a road map!!
I started looking for the same files for FSX and they don't exist
![very sad :((](./images/smilies/086.gif)
I know that if I follow a certain road from Campinas, overfly the reservoir and change heading at the TV mast I'll see Barbacena in the distance, recognisable from the church on a hill, just like the real world. I found a road pack, so I have my road to follow, but there's no reservoir, TV mast or church in my FSX virtual world.
One day I'll probably find the files I need, but until then FS9 is very much alive and well for me. It might not be real (@ Tonks) but I would like FSX to be a little closer to reality than it currently is.
TTFN
In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. – Terry Pratchett