Nostalgic, ever so slightly maudlin, mildly contemplative, and touches my heart deeply.
First love endures, True. I still (Occasionally) drag out the AD&D 1st ed rules and sigh at times gone by.
But, I am a lifetime devotee of Star Frontiers, still try (vainly for the most part) to get a permanent group going with the campaign I envisioned in 1984.
I too had "Friends" who evaporated with prized possessions, so never again loaned anything I'd want to keep. Ended a couple of "Friendships" over that. Guess they never were really friends at that. (Lesson learned.)
THANX for sharing.
BTW I too played MW and loathed the way they mutilated the old rules. It took me 3 years to get used to no move and shoot. Should have always been move half or less and still can shoot.
But, again thanks for the reminiscing and bringing up some warm and fuzzies about my own past.