In many recent posts I note that groups seemed often to be comprised of PCs like Half Vampire Fighters, or Human Werewolf Clerics, etc.
In my games I don't really allow anything beyond the base races and classes (although perhaps an occasional prestige class here and there is allowed). My players never complain about this and employ extra effort to customize the background of their characters. Our games always seem to be highly creative and unique, and I don't believe the roleplaying suffers either.
I simply enjoy the archetypical roles more than the fantastical. A werewolf or a half-vampire pc is completely lost on me.
Am I alone in this? Just curious.