Oh! I think there is some rather harsh criticsm of the Southern Region Route here. Take a stroll along the route in Route Editor, and you will see clever and economic blending of scenery into the background. Indeed an education for aspiring route builders! The custom buildings are also to a high standard. And the signalling too: lovely custom models which work.
In addition to the route, you get the stock, which is especially valuable, as there aren`t many freeware
southern locos available. In my view this route is essential to anyone with a Southern interest.
I think comparing Southern route and Dorset Coast is not really valid, as they take different approaches. Dorset Coast seeks to cover a large mileage with an accurate track plan, with scenery secondary, and created from generic, representative items. DC has a big following, but it is quite different from Southern and its high proportion of custom items. Which is more fun is down to personal preference.
Rick