Well the LEGO Group has an entire department dedicated to the collaboration, support and stimulation of the AFOL Community - it's called the AFOL Engagement Department and they run the LEGO Ambassador Network, the Lead User Lab and LEGO Ideas. So I would certainly hope that's indication that the company listens. Another example of listening could be the dissatisfaction in the AFOL Community when the Chinese Celebrations sets were announced - that led to red flags being raised inside the company by the AFOL Engagement Department and that ultimately led to the end of regional exclusives as they are now to be globally available after 3-6 months.
Also it is estimated that the AFOL Community make up 6-8 percent of the sales. At least that is the number I've seen in one of the annual reports.
First and foremost the LEGO products are intended for the core audience - kids aged 7-12(-ish), but the LEGO Group has also stated that AFOLs are now considered a target audience and more will be done for the AFOL Community moving forward - and this adds on top of the products currently aimed at adults such as the Creator Expert sets, Star Wars D2C products and massive Technic sets (I am sure there are plenty other sets in this category).