@static, not sure what you are talking about with web standards and design philosophy. What other website do you know has key functionality hidden behind a menu? It would be like google hiding the search box behind a button you need to click.
Of course we will adapt, like a dog that loses a leg - is it objectively better off? No. Can it still get around? Yes. Adapting is not the criteria for 'better'.
And argumentum ad populum is no way to argue a point - its a logical fallacy to assume because people are silent they like the changes. Most don't even use the forums anyway (and some likely cannot find them now :D)
Did the menu system require a rework? Yes. Does that completely redoing how it should work, even abandoning standard web functionality?
You say you did not know about an import game page - that's nice that the new design let you find that - but is import game as critical to the site as play, train, videos, forum? No. That is one problem - it abandons standard web link hierarchies that prioritize some features over others so that users (particularly new ones) can easily get around.
My preference is keep the new button and functionality, but there is now GREAT and PRECIOUS prime visibility area that has been freed up - return the key site links to that space. This is not just a functionality fix - visually/design-wise - that top area looks very sparse now.
Anyway, I think only the developers can objectively decide whether this is a success or not (beyond all the complaining/compliments, pros/cons in this thread). Via google analytics, has there been an increase or decrease of traffic to different areas in the site? A significant decrease would definitely show a navigation issue.
Personally, I was hoping for front page link to Videos to give this new feature a big push :S
