You'd be right if that analysis was correct. But it's not.
DNF is a failed game that was pushed from studio to studio like a bastard child. The budget, support, team, technology, and organization is nothing like Star Citizen's. I could write for pages about how different the situations are.
What fads are you talking about? VR is not a 'fad'. Crytek, whom CIG sourced their engine from, is balls deep into VR with their engine. So even if they were focusing on VR support right now, which CIG isn't, it would be understandable. Dude.. dogfighting in my avenger in VR? Sign me the hell up!
CIG has modified and molded their strategy over time to adapt to massive changes in their environment. $100M+ more in funding than they originally asked for? Check. A bunch of Crytek engineers quitting Crytek and joining their team? Check. Having the money to buy the engine code outright so they could do what they wanted with it? Check.
Lots of things changed from when Chris Roberts originally pitched the game. In hindsight, it's clear that adapting their strategy was the best course to take.