I think it's more or less different audiences being vocal at certain times.
For example the people who like the old school games who want something similar revolt when something new arrives while the people who want something new keep quiet or praise the new game.
Opposite occurs for the other type.
Kind of like how Ps3 fans say "it's all about the games" when 360 is winning in weekly sales and "LOOK PS3 IS OUTSELLING 360" when PS3 is winning, these comments come from two different groups but only 1 is active at a time which depends on the state of the platform.