There's the rub isn't it? I'm pretty confident most of the Eastern States "Twiggy inside the tent" brigade would be quite happy for it to just be Twiggy's wallet that comes in though!
Pretty sure that when they are interested in AF's input, it isn't his opinions they are talking about. Not once have I seen him spoken of as a thinker of the game, they've only ever referenced a few billion of his other attributes.
I honestly don't know why he would, but he is perhaps a better person than me. But if he does get involved, I hope he remembers his Twain..."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man."
I have the same doubts but I'm trying to be a little optimistic. Also I've seen a few bits of praise for the innovations in GRR both game play and match day experience.