But when it comes to designing a Computer Game/Simulator using Modern Computers and modern Computer Language against the established competition using experts in the field, that's when I exit Cloud Cookoo-Land, put my Captain Sensible hat on, sit quietly down and consider the team of experts required in various fields, the Man-Hours and cost involved, the Beta-test time, finding a Publisher willing to put up the money to finance the project and distribute the final Product.... etc...etc...etc..
Tell that to Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and the people that made FlightGear, youtube, google, etc... people with ideas, and the will to make it so.

I can't model a plane or make scenery, but that didn't stop me from doing repaints, or trying to learn Gmax.
As I said, I'm sure it's a lot harder than it sounds, but it can be done. I hate to keep using FG as the example, but it is the best example of what happens when enthusiasts put their mind to something and see it through.
The great collaboration projects from Simouthouse are more proof that it can be done.
The key to a community project is that various talents pool together to make something great, (or was that socialism?

). Introducing profit to the project, pushes it to the level where it will fail without immense support..again, FG is the leading example. (see: Keeping up with the Jones')
It is indeed a lofty goal, and also one that the likes of you & I won't be a direct part of, for your above mentioned reasons, but there are quite a few members on this site, who I would deem more than capable of contributing something of value to the project.