I thought the RW board was used to spread spam as I really don't see anything serious going on on those boards.
Anyways, Avernum 4 would more than likely look quite similar, if not exactly the same, as the previous 4 Avernum games. (1,2,3, BoA)
The only noticable difference that might be made would be a continuing storyline and with all of the stuff from the previous games back.
It's just my guess, but I think Mr. Vogel would just stick to what works, even if people think that major changes are needed.
I think that they should just make a whole new series of games instead, something fresh and innovative.