Planet Minecraft

I've been playing around with the idea for a little while of writing some kind of essay or article about Minecraft. It started with the addition of the hunger bar and how it changed survival gameplay, but it's evolving into something much broader - encompassing gameplay, community, purpose, fun, etc.

Simply put: How has Minecraft changed?

I want your help on this. Scratch that, I need your help on this. My opinions alone won't always sync up with that of the rest of the community. How has Minecraft changed for you over the months (even years, for you vets)? Do you like the changes? Hate them? Indifferent? Have you been forced to change up how and why you play the game? How do you feel about the direction Minecraft is going into?

Do you think the takeoff of Minecraft from an Indie game to an internet sensation has been beneficial for the community or flooded it? Can Minecraft still be considered indie?

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm all ears.

Bumppp. I have a couple of days off work coming up, so I might take another look at this.