Riot, with all this outrage over patch 5.14,

I just want to say thank you.

I've been playing since Season 2, and I honestly feel like the most recent patches have led to the most balanced gameplay since that time. Some champions are weak and some are strong but big picture: this game is pretty damn balanced. There are tons of viable jungle paths and builds, supports of all styles, top laners have variety in their roles thanks to the viability of jungle tanks, and mid lane can successfully ignite, heal, barrier, smite... There are so many viable roles and champions of all sorts. Not much is broken. And that's awesome.

When I first downloaded this patch, my client would freeze and I couldn't play for a day. That has since been resolved. I'm not outraged over the issue because the Bildgewater event is epic. The story is epic (for those who have been upset with a lack of lore), the graphics are epic (from someone who has loved playing the Howling Abyss over the years), the sounds are epic (and I half-heartedly wish that we could keep an option for pirate announcer indefinitely because it's hilarious). And all this on the heels of the pool party event - Two successful events in very close proximity. That's good work.

The HUD - It's fine. It's different, and I understand why people reject difference, but it's fine. It's taking me time to get used to the new shop location, and it took me a few seconds to figure out how to check my stats, but the HUD is fine. I'll get used to it. I can't understand the cries of "this will make people leave your game".

The only real concern - Fiora's face looks goofy now. I don't play Fiora and I don't really care about the attractiveness of an animated champion, but she does look goofy. She does look kind of like Cruella Deville as I've seen another thread mention. I understand why people are upset. But let's be honest here: the biggest problem at the moment is that Fiora's new face looks goofy. Listening to the community is generally a good idea and, without knowing the logistics behind art changes, maybe concede on this one to make people happy?

So while I've seen a ton of hatred pop up on this board as of late, I want to take a moment and actually give some thanks that I have this fun, competitive, free-to-play game that really feels like it's at a peak of functionality, balance, and overall enjoyment. The thing that limits my enjoyment the most isn't the company or the game, IT'S THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

Keep up the good work.