Well, sorry for having a wrong opinion, but I do want a systme where a 1st level PC can be killed with a crit. In fact, higher level PCs too.
These have been some of the most memorable times of our games. Especially when one died killing the goblin leader as he critted said goblin leader simultaneously. Then, some crit fumbles...but I wouldn't dare go into those here.
I want my PC to fully realise the consequences of fighting the enemy. Dragons, heck, lizardmen should be fearsome foes. Going in expecting every fight to be balanced and knowing you will win (barring a run of bad luck) is not the game for our group. In my mind (which is clearly wrong Cadfan), this style limits the other 2 pillars. If it is easier to fight and the odds are clearly on your side, why explore for an advantage? Why bother talking to these guys?
Anyway, back to 1st level PCs. I am all for toning them down. The numbers do not have to be that high. Then you wont have to have 27hp level 1 kobolds to compensate. Yeah, I know about minions, and basically 'minionised' every kobold I used in the end, b/c to 'us' (in our wrong game) it did not 'feel' right for a fighter to thwack sid kobold for 20hp! (at first level) and then I tell him, "The kobold is hurt, but still stands".
Seems we have had too much fun with our badly-designed, wrong games.
What was this thread about again? Oh, yeah, the playtest report. Thanks for that - I found it quite informative.