I think the thing that made Wings of War/Wings of Glory so popular was its simplicity. Many people with which I have gamed have no knowledge of aircraft or aerial combat but are able to learn the mechanics quickly are having a great time playing after a turn or two. Trying to retain that simplicity in a game for the complexity of sailing combat is difficult and takes more time for players to learn. And the game is not without problems that has caused veteran age of sail gamers to fully embrace it.