Blizzard gain a flash of insight?

[FoxBat]

The item hunt was fun in D2, but what they are forgetting is that you still were able to progress your character while you were item hunting.

That's exactly what this quote is addressing and nothing more. They are talking about "alternate progression systems" such as D2's leveling and rerolling for different builds. Everyone wants to read their own greivence into things, but they seem pretty content with how items are being handled for the most part, and are instead looking at things *outside* of the item hunt. And no I don't think that includes making the game easier, although that might end up happening, it doesn't address this particular issue at all.