I have heard numerous grumblings about the avatars on the NXE.  They are compared to the Nintendo Wii Mii's-- This is completely justified.  Then again, who cares?  Those that would be complaining with outright cries of betrayal are those so insecure in their adulthood that they feel need to blame microsoft for trying to ebrace a more casual approach.  I realize that the 360 is home to many adult-oriented games, but that does not make it an adult only system.  Beyond that fact, cartoonie caricatures do not need to be associated with kids.  

I feel like gamers have been put down as little kids doing little kid activities for so long that they are afraid of anything that might further associate them with childlike behavior.  The simple fact that they are whining and carrying on like this validates that point.  I am one of those champions of gaming that will battle until my last breath to show it as a legitimate form of entertainment.  Some people may look down on it, but I view any time playing a game the same as any other comprable form of entrertainment such as watching tv, watching movie, or god-forbid... playing a board game.   I might even consider gaming a higher form of entertainment.. or at least more engaging than a movie..... if done right.  You actually have an influence on what happens in the game.  

There is a valuable learning potential that most people don't realize is being used by at least some of the games.  If a game can make you care for a character, care what happens to them, or even the people around them-- it may have the potential of teaching cause, effect, influence, and consequence.  Why does this have to be dressed in a blood soaked rambo inspired shooting game?  

I understand the fear of being associated with little kid things, but the ways they are going about it are all wrong.