D&D is like Microsoft...
Instead of making minor fixes to what was working pretty well, they went and broke it anew, and we have something much worse.
I hate Vista, I hate Office 07, and I hate 4.0E.
Hereticus, I mean as a friendly bit of advice from someone who has fought too many edition wars over the years.
Stop. Think about what you are saying. Realize that while you truly hold this opinion, that is exactly what it is. An opinion. Stating your opinion like this will only annoy the crap out of people. Trust me on this one. I annoy the crap out of lots people.
It's perfectly fine to not like the game. But, just as you do not see 4e players repeatedly stating why they don't like 3e, you do not gain anything by shouting from the rooftops why you don't like 4e. It is your god given right to hate whatever game you want to hate. But, for the sake of keeping everyone happy, try to phrase your opinion in a slightly less antagonistic way.
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Back to the topic at hand.
Anecdote is a pretty bad guide really. If I go by my own anecdotes, gamers have all been between 16-30 for my entire life. Yup, there's been the odd exception, but, for the most part, from when I started in 1980 to present, the age of the people I play with and talk to hasn't changed all that much.
As far as having a basic set goes, let's not forget a few things here. The basic set way back when gave you three levels, seven classes and pretty much ZERO options. I really don't think that sort of game will sell very well anymore. And, I'm pretty sure that trying to hook people into the hobby with D&D is the wrong way to go.
There are just so many other options now. Mini's games, CCG's, various board games that blur the line between traditional games and RPG's like the Eurogames. All of these are excellent ways to lure in new gamers. Luring in new gamers with D&D isn't the way to go IMO.