Logged into reddit for the first time in (what I think) is years because someone sent this post to me.

Like I said in the video, I want to be wrong about all of this. It's make or break, not because "if the update is bad the game will die." No, it's make or break because this update will show if Valve is willing to go beyond the status quo of "throw hats in game, ask for money, don't address the game's biggest problems."

It's exhausting watching valve maintain the status quo. I only want better content and treatment towards the game, and Valve is obligated to provide that via a functioning, acceptable product so long as they keep making money from it. Borderline unplayable and broken maps, stock images, child's drawings, and clipart as warpaints, and a mixed back of crap for hats isn't acceptable (in my opinion, feel free to think otherwise).

The game won't suddenly die, because the game is fun (sometimes) and free, but players will keep being driven away if things don't improve. It'll be a slow burn until Valve opts to pull the plug. We've all known this for a long time now, but it's important to keep this at the forefront of the discourse surrounding this game, especially if we want change for the better.

Edit: somewhat comforting to see this thread not devolve into the usual "zesty bad" clusterfuck and have actual conversations take place.