I think it should have an impact, but not taken as worth a lot unless approbation or outcry is just plain overwhelming. Personally, I think they are currently doing a good job of keeping the interaction and listening to the internet fans at the right levels.
One thing to remember, though, before anyone discounts internet communities completely: The internet fan base that frequents places like WotC forums and ENWorld and RPGnet, etc. make up a disproportionate amount of the buying power compared to their numbers. WE are likely to be the people with 30 to 100 book RPG collections, and that's equivalent to several buyers per person. Tick off one Diaglo for instance, who owns most of the 3E merchandise out there, and it's like ticking off 5 average joes who might own a dozen books each. The "IT MUST BE MINE" stereotype has its grounds in a reality of folks who are passionate about the hobby and follow it rabidly.