Its kinda funny. I'm 40 years old, and have been around the Mustang game for quite a while (really came into it in 1985 when I bought my 1984 Anniversary car).
For every change of the Mustang, large and small, there have been the complainers. For every change, there have been those who think it has gone too far, and those who think it hasn't gone far enough. Carb to EFI was the end of modifying ability. 5.0 to 4.6 was the end of modifying ability. 4.6 had no power. 94 was too heavy. 87 was ugly. 94 was ugly. 99 was ugly. 2005 is ugly. Every change there wasn't enough power. Every change the car was too heavy. Every change meant the end of modifying ability.
Yet you know what........... most of the complainers bought the very car they complained about.
I think it boils down to the fact that we are resistant to change. To temper that resistance, many will complain about the change............. in any and every way........... to make us feel better about the fact that we don't like change. Eventually, we get used to the change, and then like it.
However, this is a good thing. It is nice that a car like the Mustang can elicite enough passion for people to want for more, less, or even just the same. It is part of being a Mustang enthusiast............ and part of what keeps the Mustang going.
On a side note. You will not see cars getting lighter. It just isn't going to happen unless exotic materials get real cheap. You have your federal government and the consumer themselves to thank for this. Tougher and tougher crash regulations, and emissions regulations mean more equipment............ whether it is side impact beams, airbags, or sensors. Consumers also keep demanding more and more equipment in their cars. Shaker 500's, power everything, and more room, all add weight. I don't expect this to change anytime in the future.
Anyway, just some of my useless drivle. Sorry so long, but I do find these trends over the years to be very interesting.
PS, I would really like an '05 Vert. I am accepting donations.
