From this perspective, 4e was clearly bad design - it was responsible for Pathfinder (i.e. D&D 3.5 continued) briefly becoming the market leader until 5e was rushed out to course correct.
They don't want that, precisely because it will create a schism, exactly like what happened with 4e when they harpooned their own brand.
okay baseless edition warring aside you have made a really weird argument
So many folks here are basically just being pedantic and arguing about what the word edition means as if that is objectively meaningful. It isn't. Words only have meaning in context, and in the context of the history of D&D the word "editions" has come to mean something that WotC doesn't want to do anymore.
yes and no... they want to have there cake and eat it too.
they want to make the changes that will help the game
they want to reprint the rules close enough that you can use DM side stuff but far enough apart that you have to rebuy PC side stuff.
They want you to be able to keep using your 2014 PHB and still feel comfortable buying new sourcebooks and adventures.
no, nothing has indicated the 2024 PHB and 2014PHB will play well togather... they are changeing even basic rules (status) they are changing what race means. they are changing the rogue that they said they had no complaints about (but even it gets some tweeks all be it small)
bards now prep spells
half orc and half elf are not separate races
I have no doubt that somewhere there will be tables that run a 2014 half orc bard with a 2024 ardling ranger... but they will be so few that as a statistic it will be close enough to call 0. (best case you could argue 1 to 2%)
Yes, there will be an updated PHB for those who want it, but it is not going to change any of the fundamentals of 5e.
except races, feats, classes, spells, status effects (how class and spells interact)
so you know all the player side stuff.
You will be able to purchase the new PHB and still run the old "Lost Mines of Phandelver" if that's your thing, or you will be able to buy the upcoming Phandelver adventure book and run it with your 2014 PHB.
I have no doubt the plan right now is this statement and this statement only... you can use 1 PHB (2014 or 2024) but not both and run and adventure book (pre2024 or post 2024)
I doubt they plan for same table to sit down with a 2014phb and a 2024phb.
Just like I CAN (and have) as a DM grabbed ideas and even full characters from 2e,3e,and 4e and used them in 5e...