Absolutely. But it's to be expected.
Now, I agree with many who have taken a strict interpretation of "rules" to mean "rules that govern gameplay and combat," in that yes: only a small handfull of new "rules" (in this sense) have been added (like "swift actions"). However, looking at it from the perspective that each new class/feat/ability requires a "rule" to govern it, there are tons and tons of new "rules" all the time. I think WotC has about 3 books released each month, many of which introduce scores of new character options, any many of these introduce new concepts and new ideas that are not part of the original rules. Now, I also agree with those who applaud the publisher for keeping things within some sort of editing guidelines, so that new rules/options are introduced easily and modularly, and only the 3 original books (full of free content) are really required to play. But the total number of overall options and invariable power creep are starting to be heavily felt, at least by me. I really like new character options and have purchased many books, but I feel like I've clearly gotten to the "oversaturation" point and I'm getting tired of being expected to buy one or two $30 books each month just to "keep up" (especially now that many of the new books with their added fluff and small amount of actual content should be $10 pdfs and not $30 hardcovers - but that's another thread).
But then again, this sort of rules bloat is clearly the overall marketing plan for WotC. This is the company that made all of its money off Magic cards: every new release includes tons of new rules and new options and new ideas - and new cards. You have to keep purchasing them to keep up and stay ahead (and I guarentee they've done research to find out how often most folks would think about buying new products and releasing them at that time). It's a great system that generates tons of revenue, and it apparently works well for D&D material as well. (Heck, we wouldn't even be discussing D&D right now if it wasn't so profitable.)
For all those thinking about 4E, the main thing you have to realize is that this company is governed by marketing principles, like everything else. They are NOT going to jepardize an existing (and amazing) revenue stream by announcing a product that will cause all current products to become obsolete and drive down the demand. They are going to ride this wave as far as it will take them, and only then will they put out a brand new product so that they can introduce brand new suppliments and thus perpetuate the cycle ad infinitum. Estimates given years ago on how long this product cycle would last are immaterial: WotC is not going to give up potential revenue on a strong product like 3.5E. 4E will come when the revenue stream from 3.5 dries up, and not a moment before. And they won't announce 4E a "year in advance," either, because that would significantly lower demand for their existing product for an entire year (they want that period to be as short as possible). It just doesn't make sense when you're talking about a company that - like most others - is goverened by the simple principle of making money.
So yes: rules bloat is happening, overwhelming, and completely expected from the guys who (brilliantly) made all their money getting you to buy new magic cards every time you went by the game store.
