I still wish SFOT still had the Big Bend roller coaster. I was my first "big" coaster and I loved it. Even though it was legendary, it didn't make sense for the park to keep it, no matter how much I wanted them to. I wish they would rebuild it in a fashion that would work today - but it's forever a memory and one that I long for.
Duelist, I completely understand your concern and hope that the new Fire In The Hole will be very similar to the original. I consider us "purist" but we might be in a minority....I know a lot of families that don't have the same appreciation for that ride that we do. We went with a group of softball families once, and as much as I talked up the ride - most didn't ride it, or if they did, didn't have the same appreciation that I did. I think it's brilliant, but I've thought that since the first time I rode in 1979.
I know that change has to come, even Disney will close an iconic ride and make changes, improvements, etc. I'm excited to see what the park can do with new technology for the scenes and ride itself, possible drop tracks, backward sections, etc. - keep the original "idea" of the ride, but improve the overall ride experience.
This will be an interesting build for sure.
Jay