To compare MHF to the Console version of MH is somewhat dumb. To use it as a basis on how well the console game should sell makes no sense. MHF is popular because of the WLAN connectivity through the PSP. As a handheld, it's easy for a group of kids to get together and play MHF, (like in school, kids can join each other during lunch or any other time and play a couple of missions). MH3 will have online, but it doesn't have that WLAN ad-hoc connectivity. If the game was to be released on the DS, the comparisons would make sense.
Although MH3 will be a success in Japan, claiming it would do MHF type numbers is rediculous. I will make a prediction and say in Japan alone it will reach at or around 675k lifetime.
