first off bro, back in Halo 2 SWAT was a temporary playlist. it wasn't released right away, neither was it for Halo 3 or Reach. All Halo Games have started off with just the core game-types right after launch. secondly getting shot while zoomed isn't broken, they made it that way on purpose. now in stead of un-zooming you stay zoomed and you flinch so now you have to compensate for it. Thirdly FFA is in the Game, its called Regicide. very fun and interesting because the lead can change at any moment. Really keeps you on your toes. Fourthly I have personally not had any server issues at all. 343 Made Halo 4 Extremely Competitive, perhaps a little too much so for many people. The game has changed. For the Better IMO. If they did everything a lot of people wanted it would end up being like CoD where every "New" multiplayer is just the same one as before with a new coat of paint. 343 innovated by combining an old system with a new one and did a very good job of it.
Just because the playlists aren't perfect on launch does not mean they aren't catering to fans. They are rolling out playlists just like every other Halo has. But they cant do everything like every other Halo cause then its just the same experience over and over again, And as a long time Halo fan, (since CE) like yourself I'm sure, i do NOT want the same game, i expect them to innovate.....And they most certainly have.