I can't be bothered to read all SIXTEEN PAGES of posts, but I just wanted to flail a bit about the CC, so excuse this mess of a post.
I am quite disappointed with Maxis' decision to make the game 'more accessible.'
They changed the algorithms for determining movement, stats, and overall creature behaviour just so that kids and people with little patience can crank out creatures that are effective in-game. The entire stat system is designed so that it doesn't matter how you build your creature, its just what parts you can afford that determines how he functions. This, I think, defeats half the purpose of Will Wright's supposedly educational 'toy.' There should be two versions of Spore: one, with the early algorithms reinstated (the Willosaur, Tweetybird, Stupid Little Hoppy Thing version) called the 'Advanced' version, and the simplified, child-proofed 'Commercial' version. Well, perhaps some sort of super-powerful group of modders will get together and do that themselves after the game is released. Sigh.
EDIT: Also, check out my kickarse collection of creatures.
http://www.spore.com/sporepedia#qry=usr-ReasonablemanMORE EDIT: One last thing: why in the hells do creatures look around with their mouths, not their eyes? ARGH.