One thing i notice is that people keep saying, why so early for the next battlefield game. But I don't know if this is supposed to be the equivalent to Battlefield 3. Rather, like some are saying, I believe it will be more akin to Vietnam (Although hopefully not as bad). I read DeadMan's article and wasn't impressed. For one, I'm not really into mods. About the only mod I have ever played is CS for HL. And only after it was released as it's own game.
Second of all, I disagree with the principle of constantly upgrading the technology of the game. There has to be a happy medium. If your game is so advanced that 90% of the computers can't play it, Gamers will not be happy and will not buy your computer.
By using the SAME ENGINE, they can assure that most gamers that own BF2 will be able to play BF2142 without having to run out and upgrade their computers(Again).
This is a problem I actually have with Valve software. When I first purchase HL2, my computer was capable of running it just fine. Then they updated it to the point where I can only run it on the lowest settings possible and even then, I still have problems.
EA needs to be able to market their game to other people beside spoiled rich American kids who can afford to buy the biggest baddest new computers without dipping into some saving fun.
As for the mod community, sorry but I just don't play your stuff. I have had too many bad experiences with mods to want to deal with the BS anymore. Although, at this new information, I must display my sympathy for the Shattered Faith team as this game looks to really steal some of the thunder of the Mod (Which I was actually considering getting despite my anti-mod rule, until EA announced BF2142).
I'll admit that there is some issue with the fact that DICE has not found a way to fix half of the bugs in their game, but I believe that more to do with the EA and demand than DICE work ethics.