[tomflack]

I feel it has fundamentally changed with the removal of the skill tree. Instead of making choices and ending up with a semi-unique character, I can change my skills at any time.

My character isn't "mine" any more. The only real way to progress is to grind for loot now. Or pay someone for it. (something my friends and I never did in d2)

[kmontrose]

A good chunk of runes aren't available at 30, and you only have the full set at 60.

I know that my skill set changed pretty radically on subsequent difficulty levels, the same tactics didn't work terribly well.

[tomflack]

Once you max out you're the same as every other character of that class.

In D2 I'll admit the skill tree had some severe flaws, but it allowed unique customization to an extent.

[Anderkent]

I don't see how 'I skilled and use these skills, they skilled and use those skills' is that different to 'I use these skills, they use these skills'. Except for experimenting with own builds is much easier now, so the motivation for following a cookie cutter build is weaker.