My favorite version of the game is 1.5.2. The game wasn't too complicated, like it is now. I also liked the old graphics ;p. It all comes to preference, so for others 1.5.2 might be bad. But I simply love it. =]
I was banned for this: "YOU HAVE BEEN BANNED PERMANENTLY FOR SUSPICIOUS MOVEMENT AND BEHAVIOR" Lmao, I was playing just like usual. No cheats, no lags, no nothin'. I just got banned.
Yeah man. I started playing minecraft in 2012, when the beta came out. Imo 1.5.2 was the best version for me. Just as you said, there wasn't 'item overload', the game was more 'peaceful' and casual. The good ol' days. I wish maybe Mojang could make some official beta and 1.5.2 etc. servers . It would be nice.