I invested money into iRacing a while ago - a few years ago - and complained about the handling model on the forums and got a whole lot of hand waving about the tire model getting redone at some point. The graphics were ass as well at that time too so that was enough, I was out. Since I had a SCCA license and raced a Miata for a while, and was trying to do the same in iRacing, I felt somewhat qualified to complain.
However the GTS feel and physics model felt immediately comfortable, and the tuning mostly makes sense. That leaves space to admire the graphics and importantly learn the tracks. I've no complaints really. It really is not a dumbed down experience.
PC2 might have finally fixed their tire model but they are battling bugs. iRacing graphics are hard to look at in 2017, and as a subscription game it isn't apples to apples. Assetto Corsa have people upset at their marketing model as well.
I think GT:S is a pretty amazing combination of stunning visuals, the beginnings of some good online competition,
and a good physics model too.
edit: and oh look. iRacing has STILL not got on top of its tire model issues:
https://pretendracecars.net/2017/04/05/why-i-chose-not-to-return-to-iracing/