Ya know, the funny thing is I brought up the car metaphor about two years ago on these boards, discussing "old school" versus 3.5...
And the majority of posters hit me pretty hard for saying I preferred older editions to the sleek, nearly-perfected model that was 3.5.
I'd still buy the original Volkswagon Beetle over the modern version, despite the bells and whistles (and cost).
I really don't think its bad to love any version better than another -- I love C&C, which is a hybrid between 1e and d20, so for some of us it's just right, for others from both ends of the spectrum it just doesn't fly with them and their individual tastes. I suspect a major issue with 4e is that it, too, is attempting to hybridize philosophies - it certainly is looking for the quick play and less rules intensive approach that makes it a harkening toward old school, gamist mentalities; yet, at the same time, it is also geared towards increasing the power levels of characters, inate and otherwise, to appeal to a modern cultural desire for FRPGs to be more super-heroic from the earliest levels (more of an appeal to younger gamers and those that enjoy the more diverse influences of comics, multimedia, etc.). Now, WotC has a bigger leg up than smaller companies in going Hybrid, but it will still get caught in the connundrum of displeasing alot of people even as it pleases a particular core audience that it aims for. Ya just can't be all things to all people, and all you have to do is sit at any game table and you'll likely run into at least two different POV's on "what D&D is supposed to be."
But back to the "car" metaphor... the interesting thing is how many seem to be welcoming 4e as some sort of pinacle of game development, and the discord between those happy with 3.x editions and (some, not all for sure) 4e'ers reflects a desire that is age old: we wan't to feel validated in our tastes and judgments. If you love 3.5, you really didn't want anyone, LET ALONE THE COMPANY MAKING IT, basically saying "well this is worn out and worthless." Welcome to the world of grognardism lol!!!
![Devious :] :]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png)
Those who are devoted to OD&D, 1e, 2e, etc. know just how you feel now. Those committing with ferocity to 4e already (which is interesting as the full game is yet to be released) are having the same feelings that anyone who's ever bought a new car is feeling - you have this shiny new wonderful vehicle. You don't want anything to be wrong with it, and you certainly don't like people who dislike it for things like "I hate that shade of yellow," or "it's automatic? Bah, automatic is dumbed down for wusses - give me stick-shift!"
All this is just to say, those of you feeling like you're being "betrayed" in 3.5 vs 4e edition wars (either way), just remember....
That new car smell goes away all too quickly - just make sure the car you have is the one that fits you and your needs, whether its a classic, a great deal on a good used one, or the new model you've been waiting for.
