The new opening was a slight change, but the rest of the show was unaffected. "Around the Corner" was a big change, because they introduced loads of new characters that were partially unneccesary and kept doing plots about the AtC location, and the use of the new theme didn't help. The 1998 change was OK, I mean, they got rid of the calypso theme and the "Around the Corner" sets, and they also used a new version of the theme done in the classic style, and they also introduced "Elmo's World," which was partially annoying. We still got to see some classic stuff, though. Season 30 also marked the final appearance of "Mysterious Theater" and a few of the older characters, but it was still a good season. The new format seemed tough to get used to at first, but the more recent seasons look OK. Season 37 seemed to be the best of the new-format seasons, according to what I read at Muppet Wiki. They still had some occasional classic skits ("The Alligator King" also made an appearance), they brought back the Fix It Shop, Abby Cadabby was introduced, they got rid of "Journey to Ernie," etc. Also, "Trash Gordon" doesn't seem too bad. It's actually pretty short (around two minutes at least), so that helps a bit. Plus it's good to see Gordon more involved. Now they just need Susan to make a cameo in it. Frank Oz also still performs his characters from time to time, and we've still got Caroll Spinney and Jerry Nelson and Fran Brill and Marty Robinson, some of the best veteran Muppeteers that are still alive.