I have been playing RPGs for about 17 years. Before that I spent a lot of time trying to write my own system, because I could not get any game books. I really started playing in good old D&D 2E, and moved to 1st from there. I then played in 3.5.
I have since matured as a gamer, and prefer role-play to roll-play. I am not a big fan of games that focus too much on combat, but I recognize that it does have a time and place. Because of this shift I have discovered I am more a fan of indie games, rather than the combat-centric D&Ds.
My current favorite system is Savage Worlds. I have been trying to find a group to learn Burning Wheel with for years. I am a fast learner and am willing to try new systems. I love long epic games, but I do enjoy one-shots as well. I am currently focusing on playing one shots as I get used to playing with strangers, and get used to this platform.
As a GM, one of my proudest moments was seeing my story flourish, and hearing one of my players tell me that my SciFi survival horror game actually gave them nightmares. That game ran approximately 80 hours before it ended due to players moving. During that time there was only one combat, and it was a naturally occurring in-character dispute between PCs. Though there was no combat, there was still excitement and challenges. I have to give credit to the players for much of this, because without willing and cooperative players this would not have worked.