I agree with everything you've said... except for the claim that 4E ditched Vancian magic. 4E expanded Vancian magic--to every class, including fighters! It's only with the release of Essentials that it's become possible to get away from it, and that only for the martial classes.
I don't even ask that Vancian magic be got rid of entirely. I just want one 4E arcane caster that isn't Vancian. Is that so freakin' much to ask?
(Oh, and also--the idea that Vancian casting is necessary for balanced spellcasters is ridiculous. I present to you Exhibits A and B: the 3E wizard, also known as Our Lord and Master the Goddamn Batman, and the 3E warlock, also known as I Have Awesome Flavor Because I Sure Don't Have Anything Else Going On. That ought to be enough to put to rest any such notions.)
I don't even ask that Vancian magic be got rid of entirely. I just want one 4E arcane caster that isn't Vancian. Is that so freakin' much to ask?
(Oh, and also--the idea that Vancian casting is necessary for balanced spellcasters is ridiculous. I present to you Exhibits A and B: the 3E wizard, also known as Our Lord and Master the Goddamn Batman, and the 3E warlock, also known as I Have Awesome Flavor Because I Sure Don't Have Anything Else Going On. That ought to be enough to put to rest any such notions.)
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