I mean I assume we all have our own ranking of what edition we like best... I did go out of the way to say it's how I feel.
I don't think they were spending that much time on it... as they playtested new races and classes and watched other players (maybe even some on here) they came up with fixes.
I think you are overselling what was going on with new feats, new feedback and trying to dial in the best possible game.
if they would just come out and admit that balance doesn't work for them I would respect them more.
and again I do not agree with YOUR feelings