1st yes... 100x yes. In this world way more people jump to a conclusion then make an informed desision.
2nd what is the parody of the 1e theif... Only looking out for [URL=http://www.enworld.org/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1]#1 [/URL] and stealing money (even from his own party)... And makeing a rule that not only supports but encourages that parody is the problem.
Knights of the dinner table is funny and all to real, but when those moments ccome up where my players act that way I want it to be inspite of the system not inspired from it
I suppose I could be mistaken, but having read the HMb and PHB sections on honor, and having read the alignment chapters and the class descriptions, I'm pretty sure that the context of 'looking out for number 1' is specifically in reference to why a thief doesn't act, for example, like a cleric (such as through joining a religious order). It is nowhere said, nor implied, that a thief SHOULD rob his comrades or betray them. Just that he could. And that would pertain more toward his alignment, rather than his class.
Basically, you can certainly take any one line from the HMb (or, for that matter, from something written in Pathfinder or 4E) and, out of context, determine that it's a reason to dislike the game. But as somebody who has played/run the game for about two years now, I can only present to you the following facts...
*Thieves serve a vital role in any party, especially pertaining to trap avoidance and even, actually, helping a group become combat ready. A thief has the tendency to 'go first,' as they are less likely to be surprised when combat is initiated. In HackMaster, a ready character can mitigate the surprise of the fighter who is likely to have a slower reaction time.
*No character, even of the same race and class, is likely to be 'played the same.' Based on alignment, quirks, flaws, talents and proficiencies, each and every character that I've seen has been quite different. I have seen the cut-throat thief, the guy who stole from his party and eventually killed one, but most thief-types have been simply helpful and valuable. There was no honor penalty for that - they were playing their characters, and were rewarded as such in honor and experience points.
In any case, it would certainly be silly of somebody to assume that everybody will like a game - or for that matter, will even like it for the same reason. If HackMaster isn't for you, GM, or for Zelkon, then no amount of persuasion will change your mind. However, I would only hope two things (and would hope this for any game you'd take the time to discuss, or read about): don't make a quick judgment based on the opinion of someone who might have skimmed the book, and more importantly, play the game before you come to a determination yourself.
For me, it's the only game I've ever played that's held my interest after two years. I can't get enough of it. Cheers, and game on!