How do I measure better? Primarily by the number of people on the forums (not wholly scientific). Stencyl routinely has 300+ (atm 338) people on their forum - which shockingly ties GM. Construct seems to net about 70 - 120 most times I'm on - 224 is the max ever. Please don't take this as an endorsement of Stencyl, I paid for C2 as my badge proves and like it very much - it'll be near perfect with family behaviours and per layout loading. I ask this question not as a put-down, but as an investigation for future development of C2. Here are some reasons I've come up with.
1) Stencyl runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
2) iOS and upcoming Android exporters.
3) Flash is better understood than Canvas or HTML5.
4) Stencyl is friendlier sounding that Construct.
5) The UI is less intimidating.
6) Path to monetization is clearer.
7) Free version is complete.
8) ActionScript 3 kicks JavaScript's butt.
Of all those reasons I find 2 the most convincing (despite my lack of interest in exporters) which makes me wonder why Stencyl has exporters. Stencyl is likewise made by one person (or so their website says) who is also a CS grad. Thus it can't be a matter of man-power. However, 5 is also attractive. Open Construct and you'll see a lot of options you have no idea what do with. Open Stencyl and it looks simpler.
If exporters are the issue perhaps development on the editor should halt until App Mobi or PhoneGap support is both complete and fast - if that's possible.
In fact, Stencyl was criticized on these boards for having a closed beta and it seemed certain a closed beta was inferior. Yet it is successful. I'd like to know if anyone has any insights into the success of Stencyl and how Construct can adapt or if it needs to.
P.S. Thank you Tom for fixing the preview button!!