Heavens! Let's Not Let the Rabble Have Access to the Rules...

"The biggest mistake WotC ever made was giving the source code for 3rd edition rules to its fans (and no I'm not referring to the OGL)." (link, and follow-up: link)
- From a discussion on ENWorld.org

Can't say I agree. Making the mechanics accessible to people makes the game easier for DMs, in my opinion. Sure, people were creating their own material in 1E and 2E, but having a system to keep it standardized and easier, I'm all for.

To some people complain a lot about stat block mistakes and similar things? Sure - welcome to the Internet. People were complaining about similar (and often sillier) issues back during OD&D, 1E, and 2E. It amazes me how often people think that nothing ever happened until now (not only in gaming, but in other things as well - politics, social issues, etc.).

If you want to see how ridiculous some people were back in the "good ol' days", peruse the old issues of Dragon magazine from the 70's and early 80's. And late 80's, for that matter. Back then, the primary forum for discussion was Dragon, which was limited by space and editorial concerns. People aren't missing the point or complaining more than they were 20 years ago - we're just more aware of it thanks to instant gratification via DARPANet. Er, the Internet.

I detect a little of the "I've been published by WotC so my opinion is of more value than your's, fanboys" attitude there as well, but I could be wrong.