ALL DnD is AWESOME
I entirely agree with the OP. Haven't posted in this before but thought I would add my 2c (without even reading it, I know tut tut). I love DnD...
BECMI was my first love and was played without much reference to the rules but a lot of fun.
1E was a more serious relationship, and my first intro to DMing...aahhh the percentage roll for the type of prostitute encountered, can't beat it.
2E, to me, just streamlined 1E to a certain extent and we finally all liked the 'cleric', well speciality priests. The most flavoursome class out, I think I made about 20 odd classes for my gods. 2E also intro'd me to FR, and I still like it now.
3E brought me back to DnD, I was at work so DnD fell by the wayside but the enthusiasm of a new edition started me up again. If I only ever played modules I would have very few gripes as a DM, our characters rarely topped level 8 or so anyway.
4E has brought me back (again) to DMing, it is so much easier and I have the time to do it -even being a parent

It also brought back a couple of (wargamey/tactical type) friends of mine.
Oh and DnD is not the only neat game by any stretch!