It doesn't need to be fully crew-able, so one human pilot could go with full AI crew. I of course can't grab all the cost involve. But one thing for sure, because of the nature of bombers plane and their missions, it will drag more people on board DCS and in time would fly fighter also.
Will the cost be offset by more people coming in, I don't know for sure. What I know is that 1 guys out of 2 that I know who sim, will buy a B17, some will even buy 2 or 3 and give as gift to there friends.
Athuro wanna be my friend LOL.