Happens all the time. Know any people who brag about how what they like ISN'T popular? You know any hipsters? :-p

: I actually think the best thing Halo could do is to NOT play such a stupid
: popularity game, like some high school student, and instead focus on its
: own unique offerings and capitalize on that with whatever fanbase is
: interested in such things.

I'm glad you get this. The best games appeal to niche audiences, specifically because they are designed to play up and refine specific elements. Another reason why Bungie's stated desire to have a bona fide cultural phenomenon with Destiny in stupid.

: More players, more profit, more budget, more marketing - these things do not
: make something good.

Advancing video games requires increasing their complexity, which in turn requires more money! Better enemy AI means more programmer time. Better graphics mean more and harder working artists. More complex level designs mean busier level designers. Etc. Etc.

If you take a GOOD game, and ask "How would I improve this?" the answer will pretty much always mean spending more money.