Joplin, huh? I'm from Springfield. I hope that tornado didn't affect ya too badly.
Anyway. I completely agree with the OP on this one. That was their bread and butter. I'll never understand why the stepped away from that. They didn't need to change the game. They needed to update it. Give it better graphics, create new maps, and toss in some extra weapons (grenade launcher). Not change the gameplay.
The game played amazing. Who cares about all the bells and whistles? Well people do. They need more and more because they're spoiled and unhappy. It's a game and it doesn't need to meet people's every needs. They put out a game and said, "Here, this is Halo. Like it?" While a lot of people love it, other people want it to change. I say, find a new game.
And I think it safe to say that we're all here because we love the gameplay. Why wouldn't you be upset when they change it? Who do you think they're changing it for? Not you, the fan.
(That's not a shot at anyone here)