Fairly definitive evidence that, whether you want them to or not, Nintendo is unlikely to radically reshape this franchise. It seems that people harp on about how conservative it is and how little has changed, then they proceed to buy it at full price.

Pretty sure I don't see much complaining outside of the podcasts about this franchise. They actually made A LOT of changes this generation, if you look at the details of the game. Could they have changed a few more things? Sure, but believe me, they changed more than enough.

I liked the menu system of Soul silver/Heart Gold better though, and we lost wifi Battle Tower. Those have been my only two minus that are at face value. I'd get into how there are hardly any hot spots for Special attack and special defense EV training, but that goes over people's heads...

@xcwarrior

Special Attack: Celestial Tower. 100% chance to encounter Elgyem or Litwick. Both give +1 SpAtk EV.

Special Defense: Driftveil City, Surfing. 100% chance to encounter Frillish. Gives +1 SpDef EV.
                          Relic Castle, Volcarona's Room. 100% chance to encounter Claydol. Gives +2 SpDef EVs.

The real problem is the Defense EV hotspots. There's no place in the game with 100% chance of encountering something that gives Def EVs.

This handy little chart should help you if you like to EV train: http://zero456.com/ev-counter/