D&D Next is more like 3e than 4e. I think they are trying to win back customers they lost when 4e came out because it was a very divisive edition. I'm not sure it is a good idea though and I think it might end up not pleasing anyone, especially all the new players that came in when 4e was released or those who prefer that system. Afterall the people who liked 3e are either still playing it or are playing pathfinder.

But I only really play L5R and Shadowrun lately anyway. =P