I can be civil and polite about this so here goes ........
Just got done reading through the core books and the impression i get from them is very simple....it's written for "Monty Haul" players. Those of you who know what that actually means are the ones I'm writing to. If you are that type of player (or "gm") then 4th edition is a godsend and it's the "coolest" game ever made. If you are more the type that loves challenges and actual role-playing as opposed to roll-playing then 4th edition is the end of Mr. Gygax and Mr. Arneson's game.
I hope that doesn't offend anybody too much....all the bullcrap being spewed back and forth is very tiresome even if I can relate to some of the arguements being put forth. If you love it...go play it and talk amongst yourselves........if you hate it.....don't go play it and talk amongst yourselves.........leave each other alone and respect their views even if you disagree with it.......sorry :( didn't mean to preach :(