On the 1st ed/2nd ed issue - in the uni groups I played in from the early through the mid-90s, 2nd ed was played exclusively, and very much in the "story" style (there were a lot of Vampire players around too). I don't think anyone was playing 1st ed AD&D, and gamist play (of the Gygaxian "skilled play" kind, or the points-buy-ish PC build kind, or of the tactical cleverness kind) was definitely sneered at.
In my personal view it was a bit of a low point for D&D play, but others would probably disagree!
In my personal view it was a bit of a low point for D&D play, but others would probably disagree!