If masternode operators are the most vital cog in the DASH machinery then it stands to reason there is no reason to rock the boat as it is usually better to provide stability with you know rather going in to the unknown.
For miners not updating to latest versions of software it would be a futile exercise because they will be unable to use their stance as a protest vote, eventually they will not be rewarded with blocks as older software would become obsolete.
Do you feel the status quo of masternode operators controlling the direction of DASH is something that will change one day or do you think it will be a central part of the whole DASH experience?
I think masternode operators controlling the direction of DASH has become such an integral part of Dash governance system, that i don't see that changing anytime soon in the future.
Maybe if Dash went from PoW to PoS, then maybe Dash Governance could change with it. But i don't see that switch to full PoS happening anytime soon either (nor do i want that at this point).
Miners can exert some influence on the direction of Dash, by choosing not to support Dash latest code / software. But that works only for a limited time as miners running on older software run the risk
of getting their mined blocks rejected at some point, thereby wasting their time, money and electricity.