Originally Posted by DArtagnan 
The loot design is a result of not understanding the appeal of loot. The skill system is the result of not understanding the appeal of replayability.
Unfortunately, the team in charge of Diablo 3 simply didn't understand Diablo. However, they were fine craftsmen - and if they'd taken on another game - I'm sure it would have been quite fantastic.
This is it.
Diablo 3 is not a Diablo game. This should be more obvious than it is.