Micronesia may have the stronger/weaker (depending on your perspective) gameplay than China, but gameplay is the icing on the cake to the characters, and that's where China completely trounces this season.
Amen.

I think you can tell which fans out there (not just on Sucks) have seen the pre-ASS seasons and who haven't. If you got into Survivor after ASS, then Micronesia was a dream come true. If you've been a fan since the beginning, China was a dream come true. I happen to fall in the latter category, though Micronesia is still a great season and when I rewatch it months later, I might like it even more.

Yes, yes, I know there are plenty of exceptions, and I fully expect several posters to blast me on my theory. But from what I've read here and from what I've heard, it's often the case.

So here's hoping to Gabon being like China based on the preview- it revolves around the location and culture and not a gimmick.