Some thoughts...
I think system matters. But seldom to the extent that I'd rather not play than play X. If there is a game that bad, then nobody (in my groups) would be strongly set on running it.
I think system matters more when you're GM. There are certainly games I'd rather not run. Which is probably why all my groups have always left system choice up to the GM. Although the GM will consider the opinions of the players.
& I've played plenty of systems--& had a very good time doing so--without buying the books or really making an effort to learn the system. If the GM is running the system he feels most comfortable with, it's trivial for him to "convert" what I tell him I want my PC to do into that system's terms.
I think system matters. But seldom to the extent that I'd rather not play than play X. If there is a game that bad, then nobody (in my groups) would be strongly set on running it.
I think system matters more when you're GM. There are certainly games I'd rather not run. Which is probably why all my groups have always left system choice up to the GM. Although the GM will consider the opinions of the players.
& I've played plenty of systems--& had a very good time doing so--without buying the books or really making an effort to learn the system. If the GM is running the system he feels most comfortable with, it's trivial for him to "convert" what I tell him I want my PC to do into that system's terms.