The idea is not so bad... The way the do this is.
The general idea, is to have 2 options (same as rf1 had). You have the light installer (what we have been using so far) to get just the basic files. You have the taster package, which I suspect will change into the demo, but could be kept as it is, and the demo is added also.
Then, you get the cars and tracks. You can select single downloads, just what you want.
So, as an example.
Lets say I do not like GT's, but I do want to join a server running Palm Beach, and the Meganes. I am forced now to download the GTs (which I do not drive), to get palm beach.
When all components are available, you can just download Palmbeach, and join the online game.
Now the catch here is to have ALL content as loose components. And this is where the problem starts. They should have kept all these single releases to themselve, and release all of it with the next update.
Then there is a benefit. Now it just becomes even more messy, people get annoyed, stop playing, and we as communities suffer from it as the grids start shrinking again. People cant join because of different versions, a lot of extra work for admins and online players, and so the multiplayer still does not grow.
Anyway, I hope I explained the general idea about it a bit. Its just a matter of patience further....