Yep. The seeming overabundance of dire, celestial, fiendish, half-dragon, fey-touched, whatever type characters is one of my biggest turn-offs regarding the current version of D&D. The whole thing just seems over-the-top. And I can't even imagine trying to explain all of that to a new player.
Granted, I know there are a lot of campaigns out there that aren't run with such an eclectic mix, but most of the story hours I browse are just brimming with 'em! I suppose for really jaded D&Ders, it keeps the game new and different, but for me... nah.
Anyway, just my opinion.
ironregime.