I mostly agree.But why isn't it? Why not have the first half full of not only teaching how to play the game, but different playable scenarios that build in complexity? A new DM could dive right into the first one, while a veteran would have a bunch of handy plug'n'play adventures ready to insert as desired. Then focus the back half on optional rules, yes, but fully developed ones. Right now, to actually use any of the optional rules in the DMG you have to go to another source where someone has put in the effort to figure out how to make them work in a useful way.
For example, the CR assumptions and structuring combat need to be front and center not presented in a nearly throw away format.
And there needs to be a LOT more explicit discussion on weaving exploration and social pillars into the game. It's in the DMG now if you look hard enough, but it should be RIGHT there and much better presented.
Put the magic items in the PHB with the rest of the equipment.
To me, it is weird that I tell new players to skip the DM's Guide unless they really feel they must have everything. It should feel like an almost indispensable book for DMs. I should be saying, "Well, if you are going to DM, then you really should get yourself a DM's Guide ASAP."
Here I disagree.
Putting the magic items in the DMG means they are at the control of that DM. The DM can use them, not use them whatever.
Same goes for magic item crafting. REALLY glad they stepped it back in 5e - to DM control.
The 3e item crafting rules were well intentioned but they made caster supremacy really easy unless the DM kept a close eye (and a lot ofR ule 0) on things.
Edit: I will once again argue that Phandelver is the single best WotC adventure in 5e. That is a hill I will die on.
It's pretty good, have run it a number of times.
And the first two encounters (plus a few of the later ones) are DEADLY to new/unprepared players. Have had many downed PCs, and a near tpk (1 character ran for it, crits at low level are no joke). So I always scratch my head when people call 5e easy mode.
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