Obviously, the H5 trailer and Lightrifle meant they were coming back in some capacity... and the comics supported that as well. Can't have the Didact die in the first game. He's gotta be around to monologue for at least two more...

I want to fight the Covenant and the Flood. I want to learn more about them and their cultures in game and have meaningful dialogue. Instead, we get them blabbing in pseudo-Japanese while Light Bright Tron Villian fires his lazors and laughs maniacally. :\

I really just want a story driven narrative in a polished FPS game with characters I care about... not this bargain bin Forerunner Geas crap with Hunter worms flying through the air.

/rant