Having observed the forums for a month or so now, it is quite clear that the plethora of complaints is in part due to lack of Moderator participation. Though I am certain I am overlooking many posts, I have only ever seen moderators posts to lock threads that are against forum rules.
There are the occasional troll here and there, but the community in general is posting here because we want Halo 4 to shine. We all have different ideas about how to get to this common goal, and there is in no way a sense of unity. Many people have completely contradictory ideas as to Halo development, some people have drastic ideas, some people have the same requests they have had since Halo 3. In the end, the majority of posts here are initially directed at the community to build support, but are ultimately directed to 343 with the common theme of “please do X.”
At this point though, the cry has simplified to “Please just listen.” I’m sure 343 is in fact listening, but nobody feels like it. We never see them getting their hands down and dirty with the rest of the community. I for one know I would greatly appreciate a “We hear your concerns, but trust me, you have no idea what you are talking about” kind of post from a moderator to let me know that someone is reading our suggestions. Flatout disagreement is preferred to perceived ignorance.
343, please start talking to us. I know you can’t tell us very much, but tell us what you can. Say something, say anything. Just be part of the community.