On good things from the seminar:

Empowering the DM - one complaint was that 4e went so far as to try to take the choice of allowed books out of the DM's hands. (I call that weak DMing - all it takes is the DM to say 'No'. He doesn't need WotC's permission.) Going back to the DM as an essential part of the process is a good move.

Modules - not original, but a good idea none the less. I like Campaign Qualities, this is much the same.

Scalable complexity - I like complex games, but not every one does.

Optional gridless play - I like minis, but minis are not needed for every combat.

PC Themes - again, not original, but, again, I like Archetypes, and this is much the same.

There was something else, but danged if I can remember it....

A move away from 'D&D is a game about combat!' - Again, it never completely was, but WotC tried to treat it as such.

The Auld Grump

Ah, remembered the positive thing that I had forgotten - the mention of the Priests in 2e.

Agree wholeheartedly on that one. Priests, with their varied portfolios, were cool.

The Auld Grump

Yeah, specialty priests really gave some flavor and variation to the class. I loved playing those.