What Happened to Battlefield's Past?

I share in some of the frustrations of other Battlefield Players right now. I have some reservations about the upcoming game after this first look, especially regarding the Specialist system which I especially despise (we had a great class system that worked in BF4, why change it?). I also think things may be going over the top with fancy cosmetics, "gun charms", and other bling being thrown in to make this more like Call of Duty.

I'm a bit more bothered by what happened to the premise of this game. It seemed to me that Dice had the perfect opportunity to continue the evolution of BF4 that was shown in its final DLCs, an evolution that players liked. This would create an environment involving extreme weather, new technology, and massive forces like the Pan Asian Coalition. Why that was ignored and they chose to create something much different confuses me.

I understand that one may argue it was just a tribute to BF2142 when we began seeing references in the Final Stand maps and such. Though, it could have become so much more than just a tribute. Another argument is that it would step on the toes of BF2142 in a gameplay environment sense, though it shouldn't matter as long as the game turns out as players want it--and it seems like some of us want a part 2 to BF4. I know I do.

Nonetheless, Battlefield 2042 appears to take DNA from BF4 and BF2142. I look forward to seeing more of the releases, and think the gameplay should turn out pretty good if it can walk the walk.