Long time player here. I joined back around 40d time. I've played on and off over the years and love the game. Particularly recently I think the changes have been very player-oriented - the new animal training, clothing stuff, fixing marksdwarves. I'm having more fun now than I ever had before and the game seems even more rich and complex than in the past, and that's definitely saying something for dwarf fortress. Even the mechanics of the game have changed significantly - the way in which you gather wood, food, militaries. It's all changed for the better.
So I wanted to make a post about how I appreciate Toady's efforts. I currently have a 200-strong fortress running smoothly at 50 fps with many burrows, orders, designations and all sorts of potential fps issues. I remember playing regularly until the fps crippled my fort and then starting anew - the recent efficiency improvements now mean I can work on the perfection I always dream of when starting afresh. Between the newish military system, fixed marksdwarves, more realistic materials, tougher goblins, hospitals, animal training, new food gathering methods, caverns, HFS, new creatures, efficiency increases, combat reports, ROCK POTS, improved trade, historical figures, greater autonomy for dwarves, burrows and all the other wonderful things I've forgotten I think this game has come a long way from even a year ago.
If I had to fault it I'd say that it needs more mechanicals. Moving devices (elevators or vehicles or platforms/pulleys) would be supreme. Given the richness of the mechanics available though (am I right in thinking this is one of few turing-equivalent games?) that's hardly a criticism.
Oh, and every map has magma now. And HFS. No more 4 hour embark for 2 hours play. Nice one Toady, it's appreciated.
That's all. I love this game and especially all the effort its creator has put in to it. Coupled with the community I can't think of a better gaming experience. Thanks all and one.