HARP was not a new version or new edition. It was an enhanced version with some basic issues addressed. This was clearly stated during the re-release and the changes were announced so it should not have been a surprise. Our apologies if you expected something different.
Sure I remember that, and yes, sadly my expectations were higher as I always hoped to be suprised. But I've not said that you anounced it as a new version, but there is no benefit for me (and all of the old players) in the new version at all.
As far as layout, look and feel - I don't believe there were significant changes, although there was a lot of new art added and generally it was used to replace repeated images with new images. I personally feel the art that was added was excellent. There were other changes made to layout, look and feel - but I don't believe any of it was major (though I could be wrong, it's been a while since I looked at the old books).
Yes, some of the new art is nice. But some was removed. I see at least some Laubenstein pcitures missing and some of the new art I do not like at all, as it looks unfinished and/or unprofessional (again I'm talking about personal taste). Further I prefered the look and feel of the old books, which was different. Look at the borders, look at the font and how the tables are presented. Again, this is NO dealbreaker, just personal taste.
Agreed that it's unfortunate that the bestiary project has taken far longer than originally planned, and there are numerous reasons for that. This project is the current bottleneck for all of the HARP projects and once it is completed it will open the floodgates for a number of other projects as Nicholas has been sharing in his regular director briefing reports.
Sure, I fully understand the problem here. But maybe it was a very bad idea to start a new revision of Rolemaster while there is a bottleneck like that. Maybe they are not influencing each other, what I doubt, but I can only speculate here. Maybe it would have helped if Nicholas had "duplicated" himself, which you have to learn to do in every business, once you reach a specific level (to talk in RPG words) if you do not want to create a bottleneck.
Sorry, if I start to write myself into a rage... but I really love HARP. I played it during the time of the old ICE and I was very concerend as nothing useful came out in years. Only the small bazaars and other small stuff. Then came the big change and GCP took over. I was enthusiastic. I really loved the idea of a new team bringing HARP back to live. Of course it took some time... but now, after many years, I have to say it is much worse than it was before. There is simply nothing coming out anymore, not even small stuff like before. And there was so much promised (like HARP for Shadow World), but yes, I know, everything waits for the Bestiary
I'm no troll, I really love the game! And I already wrote hundreds pages of material for the game and I had hundreds of hours fun with that game. Believe me, I hope that everything changes, soon and I will regret every word I wrote here.