I don't think Big Ant has anything to do with it. It's not as if they've tried to cram more features in to compete.
I disagree with this point, actually.
I firmly beleive they intended to release a game similar to Ashes 09, with slightly improved graphics and a roster update. I don't think they wanted to incorporate new things such as DRS and scoop/ramp shots until they missed the release date and Big Ant seized their opportunity to show how their game compared.
Hence the mass of things included in the DLC (if it ever arrives)