I think the problem Halo 3 and Halo Reach (Especially Reach) was that all the new things were forced on players. There wasn’t any non-AA/Loadout games until much later in the game. So people who didn’t like this system had no real way of playing without it.
First Point
There should be a playlist(s) without Loadouts or such. I think it would make please a lot of people if there was a way to play classic modes on Match Making. Even if a majority of games were the new system.
Now custom loadouts seem like they could be unbalanced. However I think having limits on match making, or such, would be a great idea. Not allowing “X” guns to be used in any way at start. So only guns that are not OP are used. And also no weapons are unlocked. All players can pick any guns.
Second point
The custom loadouts should be balanced. Lets say this was Halo Reach the weapons you could start with would be :DMR, Assault Rifle, Plasma Repeater, Plasma Rifle, Pistol, Plasma Pistol, Needle Rifle, Spiker]
None of these guns were too OP. The DMR and Needle Rifle would probably make up most of the loadout choices but Halo 4 is not Halo reach remember. This was just an example.
Armor abilities were only bad because some of them slowed down gameplay and were unbalanced. Yet some were fine, and really don’t mess up balance (I have a post about this, Will post of need to lol).
Some need to be removed. Some need to be changed. Some need to be fixed. As of now
Armor Lock=REMOVE.
Active Camo=Replace with old school pick up AC
Jet Pack=Remove from Load Out but make useable (something you pick up)
Spring=Keep. However do not slow down normal speed for this. A few tweaks would be OK.
Evade=Keep. Yet I would say Elites only. Slightly limited
HoloGram=Fine. Keep. It does nothing really. Harmless
Drop Shield=Same as Jet Pack. Keep but not for loadouts.
Third Point
Armor Abilities need a fix. Since they seem to be in the game. Perhaps I am wrong about this but if they are in, lets hope 343 fixes them. And of course if 343 adds a few I hope it’s for the best.
Only a few slowed down the game, But most are nothing to brag about nor hate on. Simple things but used in the wrong way.
So. In short
1-Keep a few playlists with classic modes
2-No power weapons on loadouts
3-Fix AA’s
4-Dont be afraid to change. Or add new things (343)
5-Don’t force things totally. But don’t hide new ideas behind the scenes either.