I'm beginning to think that the "hardcore" gamer is no different from the rough and tough guy on the street corner. It's all a bunch of hype in their own minds. Why is there such a resentment towards the "casual" gamer? There really is room for everyone, but it's almost like it's an insult to some that more people are playing video games.
I still like E3 but I agree that the companies are pushing more mainstream content nowadays. The economy is bad so I guess they want to make as much money as possible, hardcore gamers be damned! However I am optimistic that common sense will prevail and companies will release more hardcore content in the near future.
Naturally they are going to want to start catering to the mainstream crowd as well. That is where a good chunk of their money lies. I am not disappointed by E3 yet but I can see how it might become that in years to come.