I was expecting a lot of unrealistic expectations from the title, and instead found a logical, well-thought-out OP. Thanks for the pleasant surprise.
I disagree about known appearances being padding for E3. I was very excited to see more of X and first gameplay of Smash Bros last year, and I am no less excited to see both again this year. I know Zelda will be shown, but I have no clue what it will look like or what to expect from the game, so I can't wait to see it in action. Surprise game announcements are nice, but each known game has its own surprises that follow it.
I need more information about X, Smash Bros, Zelda, and more. I don't need this information because I'm on the fence about buying them. I need this information because I knew I would be buying them the moment they were announced, and as they are still months away from release, I am starving for details about them. Despite having seen it three times now, I have so many questions about X that I want answered.
I see E3 more as an opportunity to answer such questions than as a stage for announcing new games. The Developer Directs last year were among the best parts of E3. Between the show-floor demos and explanations by the game creators, it's a more appropriate venue for detailed impressions of games than for cinematic trailers and vague title drops. Of course I want new games to be announced, but only when they're ready to be shown. The SMTxFE reveal was far less exciting to me than anything shown at last year's E3.
