I bought DS the the day it came it. It's still the closest thing to Diablo 2, but it's not nearly as good. I too got bored with the very linear gameplay. The graphics were great, though. I have high hopes that DS2 will be more like Diablo and less like DS, with more enhancements to boot.
Diablo 2, as it stands, is almost a perfect game. What hinders it the most is its graphics. The cheating is also a huge problem, but if you pick who you play with then it isn't an issue. I'd love a Diablo 2 game with awsome graphics, more classes and character customization, and tons and tons of items!!!!! And please, PLEASE, someone make a game where you can ride animals! I'm tired of walking everywhere.