This might very well be the opinion of a n00b. I agree. Usually n00bs are happier with the lack of subtility on game modifications. Replacing evidence with subtle evidence is never gonna work on masses, so these decisions are usually bad from the marketing the game and making it popular perspective.
I usually like the very first way the gameplay and the weapons, movement, etc, in q3, q4 and ql were working.
I am not talking about new features, like gtv for example, it is very clear that gtv was one of the greatest things that could happen to quake, ever.
I always find q3 mods, and later modification kinda cheesy, like softening down the aggression.
IMO unbalanced stuff always produce amazing action, while equilibrium pushes things into monotony (for example best matches were on dm6 and t4, both considered unbalanced maps, first towards items
and the second towards the railgun)

Of course that developers won't like what I said here, as they have to make money on the modifications, and most people will disagree. Conisder it a matter of personal taste then