While I love the new 4e mechanics (and the effort that went into creating a balanced game) I’m a little annoyed that they chose to hold back what was formerly core content until a 2nd book while they introduced new content in the 1st book. It changes what I consider to be the “basic” version of the game.

That’s probably because your 3.5 campaign was really bloated with supplements too. If you told me that your group wasn’t using PHB2 material, Complete Warrior/Adventurer, or some other supplement, I’d be very surprised.

Good post by the way. I agree, I’ve found roleplaying and character concepts much facilitated by 4e, and I also agree that it’s much easier to “hack” as it were…hell just look at my blog, pretty much all I do with my time there is brew. With 3.5 you had many models with which to make new spells, monsters, feats and PrCs, but it was time-consuming and horrendously difficult even if you knew the balance point…which many times didn’t exist.
Wyatt´s last blog ..Monsters of Eden: Antagonists

I figure our group is a part of the quiet majority that just gets on with the game and plays. I never seem to have an issue finding players to join our group. A few in our group are players who never played any pen and paper RPG, but played computer RPGs. So I think 4e has done a decent job of attracting those players to their game.

I’ve really enjoyed the online content and think this is one of the best things WotC has done to promote their game.

I can definitely see the yearly addition of a new PHB, DMG, and MM heading towards the bloat that happened to 3.x but there is absolutely no reason as to why I have to buy these books. So far the two sets of books that have come out have been really good. But since a person signing on to DDI gets insider info on the upcoming books being released I can easily make up my mind on whether to buy or pass on any book that comes out.

I look forward to reading the article.

Perhaps we should have a day where all those that do appreciate 4e have a bit of a shout about it. 4e appreciation day!
Buccaneers Guild´s last blog ..Coffeebreak Cartography #3

In the optimal situation a group of 5 purchases the core books then uses the ddi content and programs to run their games. It’s very cost effective IMO even if the costs are only split with 1 other friend.

I believe that’s why 4E’s success is (as far as I can see) less than 3E. It is encountering more competition from products like Pathfinder which offer a better value proposition.