D - the boy, the myth, the gamer

I'm really not sure what you're talking about Carnival. Perhaps you are misinformed? In 4e, like every other edition of D&D, players still create their own unique characters, DMs can create any kind of BBEG (big bad evil guy) they want, people are free to play how they see fit (in fact there is a whole chapter in the Dungeon Masters Guide with advice on how to use house rules effectively, how many other source books have you seen that have a chapter that basically says - "You don't like our rules? Fine use your own, here's some hints on how to do that.") Like 3.X there are still plenty of feats - in fact characters gain feats every even numbered level so you have more character customization (in terms of feats) than ever before. You say "they brought back ability checks". I was not aware they ever took them away. Every edition of D&D I've ever played has ability checks. I do like the 4th edition. I also like 3.X and 2nd edition and the old school basic D&D. They each have their own strong and weak points.

I'll agree that 4e will definitely help sell the minis. The way the combat mechanics work you really need to use a battle grid. If, for you, this is a negative, then I think you are wise to stick with 2nd or 3.X. I've found that minis really are a fun tool to play with. I've been using them in games since 2nd edition. I think I have a preference for them because I really like to play rogues and without mini's the DMs ruling on weather or not I can use my backstab seems arbitrary. I do want to say that I don't think a new edition of D&D makes any of the old ones obsolete. If you like 2nd or 3.X stick with it. I intend to still play those older editions when there is opportunity to do so. As for ability checks. 3.X still has them. If you want to break down a door you make a str check. If you want to try some action there is "no skill" for you do an ability check. Really, if you look at it closely skill checks are just ability checks modified for training. And 4e still has skills and skill checks. There are just fewer skills on the list because they have rolled several skills into one (balance for instance is now an acrobatics check - along with stunts, escaping from a grab or restraints, and reducing falling damage - which used to be 3 or 4 different skills). These checks are abality mod+1/2 level+racial bonus (if any) +5 if you are trained in the skill. No more skill points at every level - which is good because you always had to put them in the same few things to keep them scaled properly for your level anyway.

It does. The quality of the minis has been getting better. But I still like using my old HeroQuest figures. I also occasionally use dice for monsters when I'm DMing. Even though it doesn't look as cool, when there are several identical monsters I put each one with a different number facing up then keep HP in a note book using the corresponding number to label each baddie. It make it easier to keep track of things and players can say "I cast magic missile at goblin #4." or "I swing my axe at orc #3." and everyone knows what they are doing - as opposed to I charge this guy - long pause while DM figures out which monster to remove hit points from and hopes he's remembered it right.