I gotta say, still not having the patience or energy to read the entire first post...
There seem to be vaild points on both sides of the fence, however, I think a major flaw I see in some of the supporting arguments here are that people somehow think the changes in the next patch are going to make it EASIER for lesser players!? If you believe that you're just crazy. I recently started using the GL, I can tell you that requires NO SKILL at all as is. Whats wrong with making that weapon function more like it does in real life???
My personal problems with the hoping and dolphin diving are just that they are stupid and TOO unrealistic. I know this game isn't real life, but I find it hilarious that people argue to keep something like bunny hoping with the position of "in real life you can do whatever you want to kill the other soldier." well, war may be war but you can't spring around with 60+ lbs of gear and a PKM while accurately firing it. this point has major fallacy.
I've always wanted BF2 to be as realistic AS POSSIBLE while still managing balance and playability as a game. These changes are a step in that direction. As for spawn camping, etc, its chicken shit but I wouldn't worry too much, I don't think they can edit that out of the game in any way.
I have no problems with some of the things they are changing, but some I find are GREAT improvements. The "no firing while jumping" change alone I think is fantastic. It adds realism while not damaging gameplay at all, unless of course you're a pro rabbit. then what can I tell you, sorry. Just dont be mad because YOU are the one who has to adapt and not everyone else.
I think every patch has brought welcomed changes in my mind, and I think its nice that a software company is allowing its game to grow and change to the wishes of its users. They may not be YOUR wishes, but I hate to tell you if the greater majority of players felt the way you did, they wouldn't be making them in the first place. Thats just the reality of it.
A large, LARGE group of players from the BF2 community called for these changes, I'm impressed that the programers are actually answering the call instead of just saying "yeah, good point, make sure you buy BF3 when all that is taken care of."
If you think adapting is such an important part of the game, then show how good you are and roll with it.