Man, I can't wait to cast my first Firesquare spell.
Seriously though, it looks like they are trying to clean things up. However, I think placing facing back in can only server to make for some strange situations, which they will hopefully take into consideration. IMHO, the no-facing/flanking rules were one of the most inspired rules of the new edition. Not sure where they were inspired from, but I like them nonetheless.
As for the mini/no-mini debate, I wouldn't say that combat is any faster, more imaginative, or clearer with or without them. Still, using them keeps things more consistant. As my groups and combats get larger and/or more important to the campaign, consistancy with Hobgoblins and little Flinds becomes more important.
Seriously though, it looks like they are trying to clean things up. However, I think placing facing back in can only server to make for some strange situations, which they will hopefully take into consideration. IMHO, the no-facing/flanking rules were one of the most inspired rules of the new edition. Not sure where they were inspired from, but I like them nonetheless.
As for the mini/no-mini debate, I wouldn't say that combat is any faster, more imaginative, or clearer with or without them. Still, using them keeps things more consistant. As my groups and combats get larger and/or more important to the campaign, consistancy with Hobgoblins and little Flinds becomes more important.