So, I have been messing around with Vanilla 1.3.1 finally, just testing and seeing all the recent changes and I wanted to put out my thoughts, and also see what others thought about the new update.
I like the idea of 1.3.1 working on a internal server, but I have been noticing the normal SMP issues that go along with it. I haven't noticed any lag fighting mobs, which really is nice, but world holes, I have encountered several times, and it is kinda annoying. I love that they added trading, but I doubt I will use it. I think it will be one of those features people use for a few days, and then stop. I normally build away from villages, so I can build a nice huge city myself. (Mods of course, with power station, water plant, the works.) The addition of the slabs and stairs with all the wood types is amazing, and needed. I love the trip wires, and can already dream up neat ways to incorperate them into builds. I really haven't played with the turned logs yet, so can't say much about it. Astetics though, it looks cool up in the trees that I have built in a flat test world.
Anyway, just my thoughts, love to hear some others.