However, there were many positive changes and new features in Halo 2 that were widely accepted. Many of the changes in Halo 4 that were intended are questioned by some. Sure, Halo 2 had some bugs, but there's a difference between bugs/glitches, and removed features/imbalances.

I feel like the "dislike Halo 4 forever/dang'd" issue is a circular issue. He's upset because not only was Halo 4 flawed, but it feels like even the recovery is fumbled.

In football, you have 4 downs to make a touchdown. If you don't, you lose control of the ball. You might throw some practice passes after that 4th down turnover and land them, but they only count during those 4 downs.

Essentially, you only have so many chances to screw up before it doesn't matter any more. That number and the definition of "screw up" is subjective, but that metaphor stands nonetheless.