I have played most versions of D&D over the years, but skipped 4th and transitioned to Pathfinder instead. I have also played or run campaigns for Champions, Vampire, Mage, Call of Cthulhu, Mechwarrior and several other RPG's I scarcely remember. On the minis side, WH40K, WHFB, Necromunda, Mordheim, Battleground WW2, Nuts, 5150, and Warrior Heroes all have their appeal, but my current focus is on Pathfinder.
I enjoy heroic tales of ordinary men and women defeating impossible odds in order to protect their friends, family, community or all of humanity/creation.
To me, rules are a tool to help frame the game, tell the story, and make things run smoothly. They can be replaced or modified by a GM if they aren't helping tell the group's tale properly.