I think much of the strength of D&D comes from the depth of the campaign worlds as opposed to the mechanics. I like the mechanics a lot more now than I did in the days of 2e, but i think it's the "fluff" of the settings which really sells the games.
The man in the iron mask was a ninja. Thats why someone ratted him out and they stuck him in the tower, in a room only 4 feet high to prevent him from doing sweet backflips and punching your mom in the eyebrow. I read it in a graphic novel.