The game has become too serious. SotG is dying, and the game no longer has heart. Where did the fun go? Why was it taken away? What good has come of it?
You think that it's PUI/POP's fault that we're experiencing an SotG drought? That's laughable. Spirit of the game rests on the players' shoulders. Our attitude is not determined by what cards comprise the format, or the invite structure, or the "slim pickings" metagame. No, those are all excuses for poor behavior. The primary determinant of SotG is
how we choose to respond to all of those things. We have a choice as to how we react when things aren't perfect.
To answer your questions:
1) Where did the fun go?
It's still around. Ever play a fantastic mirror match that really showcased how differences in similar lists can make games fun and exciting? Ever had a tech up your sleeve that you busted out for the first time and won because of it? There's fun to be had.
2) Why was it taken away?
People who complain without ceasing took away the fun. That is not a take it or leave it mentality. That is the state of the game right now. There's fun to be had, as I've already said, but next to nobody wants to focus on it.
3) What good has come of it?
I suppose you mean to say, "What good has come of these changes that PUI made?" Good question. Certainly the game is healthier when there are more sets in the mix. But business is business, as nobody in this thread is ready or willing to point out. As for the invite structure, it's improved from last year, so I think that's something to celebrate. (I loved the Gym Challenge system, by the way, but last year's Worlds was far too exclusive, so we're making progress, here.)
I'm not the first to admit that cutting Legend Maker was a questionable decision. But I do admit it. One thing I am not doing, though, is complaining about it. If somebody with the kind of power to re-introduce Legend Maker for Regionals came onto the Pokegym and posted something to that effect, that would be wonderful. But that seems highly unlikely, so I see no point in taking a pitchfork to these threads like many of you.
Absoltrainer, your point that the game is less fun now than in the past has the smallest hint of validity. But in the end, when determines the game's "fun factor" is
our attitude toward the game.