I definitely agree - the game is well rounded. But sometimes, in the rounding, you shave off the sharp bits that make a game fun. I find less talking and strategy now, less socialization... I would expect with the rules being new, there would be more, not less.

Not trying to be negative - but I just see a difference. The analogy to chess is perfect - when there's only one way to play, there are ABSOLUTELY better strategies, period. No room for luck, or surprise... And, unfortunately, there are a lot of folks who don't have the 'chess brain'. If putting us out is a good thing for the game as a whole, great. but, I just feel now that aggression, and risky play is no longer "reckless", but just outright "losing", pretty much every time.

Again, this is probably the goal, but just wanted to get that out. I'd love an "old style" table somewhere... Or some further tweak to the rules that allow for more range/depth to the strategy of play - because the new system IS a lot better in many ways.