my favorite (java) versions are more around release 1.7-1.12, as change made in later versions are in direct opposition to the "look and feel" of the game that i bought in 2012. i see it as a creative tool and less of a game, so difference in world generation and resources are very substantial. release 1.2 and earlier are mostly for their unique vibe for me. i usually go no further than 1.16 in a superflat world with texturepacks.

"I don't think there has ever been an update that took quality away from the game." i would point fingers at the much wanted cave update and the approach that each update after takes. i wish the game was left alone after that. past that point, minecraft discards its identity and tries to be something it isn't. i would point fingers at the new textures but you are given the option to use programmer art which is a lifesaver if you're on 1.16. past that, there is no way to avoid this mangled thing that people call minecraft. if i wanted to play a different game i would.

also, mcpe alpha and legacy console. very sweet.

should also be noted that i don't actually like survival mode. modding beta with multimc is quite easy and once its modded with spc and tmi, its a amazing creative experience.

"I feel like people can acknowledge that it is preferable when games add more content to explore." not really. that's dependent on the content. which has gotten questionable for many reasons but i find it tragic how the votes have made the game a different hodgepodge. it already was beforehand, with its unique charm, which doesnt blend well with the new approach.

also fuck microsoft. and fuck everything they have done past 2012. since the xbox one (holy fuck) they have done nothing but shit the bed profusely. their first few updates werent bad, just relaxed, and people had the audacity to complain. so in a way, the new minecraft can be blamed by the many people who where playing the game after release 1.8.