All these new features are nice and spiffy, but...

[BackFyr]

I personally think that Valve will account for many hardcore gamers being set in their ways, and will put the gamer into situations that help 'adjust' you into the new style of gaming... I even think an idea simular to this was described by one of the companies that got to play HL2 around E3 2K4 - the section I am thinking of is where they were describing the graveyard and Valve basically put in too many enemies to be able to easily kill using only the few standard weapons you have, and instead make it a lot easier to use the manipulator + environment... So I think we all will be properly adjusted to the new style of gaming within the game, and proably pretty early

 

[Mechagodzilla]

In Opposing Force, I tried to enter a room with no cover anywhere and a bunch of those spike-shooty guys.
Whenever I opened the door, they'd hit me good.
But whenever I stepped back from the door, it would automatically shut, leaving me unable to shoot them.
So, wondering how to solve this problem, I saw a small metal table nearby, and realized it was light enough to push. I shoved it into the doorway to use as a doorstop, giving me cover and an easy escape route.

I stepped back to get a good shot and...
the door closed on the table, shattering it into a small pile of metal gibs. :x

So yes, I am looking forwards to physically simulated objects, and plan on using them to their fullest extent.
If there is a way to use an object that isn't a gun, I will exploit it to the third degree.

 

[Fixed]

I plan on using a naked Alyx to confuse and distract my opponents. After sending said opponents to an early grave I imagine I'll be getting distracted by a naked Alyx myself.

It's all about choice after all.