I went with using what works, (Best for me and my group
that is)
When 4.0 comes out and I can't afford it then I won't buy it.
If it totally rocks and I have to have it I'll scrape up the money for it- But this is no different than any other game system. I am always checking out different game systems looking or the fun factor between hours of good mindless gaming fun and somehting that is "realistic" yet not overly complicated.
So really if 4.0 is a majordeparture from the D&D system I will treat it just like a different game system, That just happens to call itself Dungeons and Dragons.
I am only buying 3.5 because personally I happen to in favor of the majority of what is going to be in the newer books (so far as I know at this point, I could be horribly disappointed, but so far I am liking it.)
"Back in the day" we used to play a hybrid of 1ed and 2ed and it was great fun. I do Mostly prefer 3.0 and I Think I will prefer 3.5 to that.
I will only buy 4.o if I think it is an improvement, not just because it seems to be the supposed stage in the evolution of D&D.
I don't think Anybody should waste their money on a system they don't like.
I have seen way too many people playing 40k or Warhammer Fantasy Battles and just mocking the system the entire time,
I have never understood that- if you don't like it don't play it.
I don't doubt there are still people playing 1e or 2e, hey if that is their preference than cool. Personally I prefer 3.o and my group likes to play it, that is the only reason we play it.
Yours too I hope for whatever system you use.
I do hope that it doesn't come out too soon though, as personally I think this could be bad for "the market"
GW has/had a habit of putting out a new game and then dropping support for it after 6 months to a year; the players started to get a bit jadded, for good reason IMO.
It may have better if they had just wated and done a full on 4.0 instead. I wouldn't be shocked if it was @4years when it comes
out. However I will decide based on the game and how I feel about it.
I wasn't too sure about 3.o before it came out, and I have been mostly happy with it. I have a few problems with some of the rules, but for me 3.5 is 'fixing that'.
Play what you like, pay for what you like.
It just too bad games don't come with a Money Back Guarantee!!