What kills the religion game is how religions are implemented. People just adapt to best use what's available. I've written murals of text to propose changes that would help improve the religion game. People are happy with religions doing fine as hollow shells. Don't blame others if they opt for hollow shells if doing otherwise is just shooting oneself in the foot.
It's not a game mechanics issue. It's a player issue. Religion can be made important and influential if the players allow it to be that way. Adding mechanics that force religion on people will only piss off players and drive them away. If the players want it, it's there. If they don't, then they don't.
