Ah, I apologize for misunderstanding you, then. It seems we're of about similar age in the hobby, then, as that is the edition & faction that I started with as well.
As for the 'good guy / bad guy' split, well, I actually don't mind that that's eroded somewhat over time. I like that the Brettonian Knights are noble and honorable, but at the same time their peasantry suffer beneath their notice, or that the Empire is fractious, many of its people oppressed, and that witch hunters slay the innocent along with the guilty. I like that even the good guys aren't exactly 'good' all the time.
In terms of other factions using undead, I don't mind so much. I mean, it's just for the campaign, in a world flooded with Necromantic magic by Nagash's return. For another, players aren't required to use it if they don't want to. And finally, how many times through the years have we seen converted theme armies of 'high elf undead' or 'dark elf undead' or 'brettonian undead'? If the campaign rules allow, even temporarily, for such lists to actually blend units from undead factions and the faction in question, I'd find that pretty cool. I mean, an empire list with some necromantic spellcasting plus maybe some undead allies if that also is allowed would be a great representation for Sylvanian levy, would it not?
For the fluff changes, the major ones I'm aware of right now are the 180 on Mannfred's motivations, going from opposing Nagash to willingly serving him, and Nagash requiring some kind of ritual to fully revive, both of which we've had at least a couple years to adjust to at this point, and while I can understand not liking those changes, I myself have adjusted. Seeing Mannfred active everywhere, seeing him have a direct goal to work towards, eventually won me over. He just feels like a more active, dynamic, and important character this way, IMO.
As for the Vlad discussions, I still don't believe the source, because everything direct from GW has revolved around Mannfred. Maybe Vlad will turn out to be back, but then wouldn't it be Vlad in the mortarch box with Arkhan and Nefarata? Again, We'll see, but I just don't buy it at all. And personally, I think it would be a mistake if true (not a major one or something that would stop me from enjoying the campaign), as Vlad's story was well concluded already, imo.
I am still hoping we'll have more of the mortarchs named. I've got my fingers crossed for Zaccharias (or a restored Melchior), Kemmler, and Krell, but even if I get all three from my wish list, that still leaves three slots open if they're going for nine. Or two I guess, if Vlad is really back.
Dwarves don't have wizards to cast Undeath with even if every wizard does have access to it. More broadly, this is a campaign event, you're not going to have random opponents bringing such things to tournaments or to pick up games without prior consent. As for myself, yes, I could easily see the wizards of 'good' factions, Lizardmen and High Elves in particular, leveraging the glut of necromantic energy in the winds of magic to turn the undead legions ravaging the world against each other.
You'll hear no defense of GW's pricing structure from me. And while the production quality is top notch - far above others in the industry - the design choices and style of GW products of late is getting increasingly distinctive, and if you don't like that style, then I can't fault you for not liking the models.
I do object to the accusation that GW models have been getting more generic or losing the warhammer feel or style. To the contrary, IMO they've been getting far more distinctively warhammery of late, which some like and some obviously don't. 15 years ago, there wasn't too much distinguishing GW skeletons, zombies, wraiths, or vampires from models you'd find in other lines. Recent warhammer releases are much more immediately recognizable as such.
