At this point in 2025 its all "he said she said". Everyone who wanted to be angry at WotC will never concede any point as to what actually happened, even with "evidence".
Theres literally NO sound argument above as to why fantasy RPGs should ditch Race. Especially a quote from the Angry GM, "because I can’t speak for what happened in the Cinnabon or whatever that other book was called". Really? Thanks for your words of wisdom.
In my experience both 3.5 and Pathfinder have that issue, though Pathfinder less so (MINUTELY). I wasted a TON of money and time on both and that demanding specificity was what killed it for me.
Experienced "Tactical" players coming from Pathfinder might find it refreshing that classes other than WIZARD/CLERIC/BARBARIAN/PALADIN actually do well in combat by comparison, though it may seem "tactically" shallow.
I think subclasses are the way to go. If folks want 60,000 class options, well, there are two (arguably) awesome systems already out there for that (Pathfinder and 4th).
My only suggestion would be to revamp the EK into more of a Magus like subclass ala Pathfinder.
As a former orthodox jew educated in jewish mythology and kabbalah this makes my brain go ouchy. Also, expect the inevitable homophobe demographic to refer to them as Gay-Lems in short order. Bad idea.