Didn't really read the thread, but I joined up back in Alpha, though I can't remember the exact version number for the life of me. It was just before signs started working in multiplayer though. Anyway, back then there was no such thing as PVP; all the servers were creative. You couldn't even hurt animals
I remember how cool it was when Mojang finally got around to implementing mob and player vs player damage. It was sweet, finally combating with your friends was a reality instead of a barely obtainable figment of one's imagination. When you first joined before that, yeah, it was cool, but over time the novelty wears off. Most of the people I see complaining about the current state of affairs probably haven't had the opportunity to get bored of just building.
There's a certain adrenaline rush you get when you know every block you're placing could be your last, and designing structures for maximum defensibility rather than aesthetic appeal. That's why factions servers are so prevalent; most people simple prefer that type of gameplay to just sitting about stacking blocks all day, plus the end-user protection Factions provides. Everything else is just extra.
That's not to say all the factions servers springing up are 100% OK because HURR DUR PEPLE LIK EM, many of them -snip- to be honest. Admins that can hardly spell and give out overpowered bonuses like candy, etcetera. But still, if you want a creative experience no one's stopping you, just like no one should stop us from being able to pursue our carefree exploits in raids and alliances.
