That was an inevitable side product of Microsoft forming a new studio around their main franchise. Bungie wanted freedom and got it and as a result of that deal gave up Halo. Best case scenario was what we got: some talented professionals who enjoyed Halo took the reigns. It was never going to be "Bungie 2", but they still hired some Bungie folks, regardless. Wishing for the past does nobody any good because what came before 343 doesn't matter any longer. Being a modern Halo fan means accepting the state of the franchise and 343 for what they are at face value. You either like 343's Halo and what they're doing or you don't (most people talking around here seem to be leaning more one way than the other, so...).