Ok, I'm gonna take a whack at this.
I don't think people want Epcot to turn into MK, but they want something MORE. They want Epcot to either live up to its potential, or change into a new skin. But it greatly needs more rides, more attractions, more street shows, and no one is doing anything about it...
As I said. The park simply needs more to do than shop, eat, and drink yourself into a Disney stupor. There's no reason (*besides, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$) that each pavilion doesn't have its own signature ride or attraction. And there's enough unused, empty plots for more pavilions. There's no reason (besides $$$$$) why the park isn't fleshed out further.
Epcot needs help but I agree with you Dave, DHS is positively pitiful. I'm surprised it pulls the numbers it does, and likely that's because of the gimmicks it holds- the new Frozen scheme, and Star Wars Weekends. Otherwise, I don't see how this park stands on one leg let alone two.
And that's it, right there.
Until the numbers start to drop off, like benches in the MK, or water features at the Polynesian, TDO will sit on their hands and do absolutely nothing because, why should they? The parks still pull numbers, so why 'fix' what isn't broken?
Problem is, it IS broken, but people continue to flock there, so the bottom line isn't affected. Vote with your wallets and change TDO's minds. Stop going to these parks. Don't give them that 'first click'. Make the numbers drop!
K, getting off my soapbox now.