Enjoyed the read. From the sound of it, I think I would have enjoyed the original design concepts more than I enjoy the shipped version, if it were a bit more refined of course. I feel as if there aren't enough maps in Halo 3 that truly make gameplay different than the others, pumping out Blackouts and Guardians/Valhallas and Avalanches constantly can get old--Not to say I don't enjoy those maps; I just think Halo 3's map diet could have been a bit more varied. In Halo: Reach, I hope you guys take these radical concepts you think of(lockout over ascension, lol) and run with it. Goodluck to you anyway!