This. And what Gocaps just said. The problem doesn't lie with fallout 3. You have to have blinders on to think that it does. The problem lies with dumbing games down to appeal to a broader fanbase.
Here's a news-flash: Oblivion sucked too. But all the reasons that you defenders of Fallout...
If they get rid of fast travel and guided quests (you know, arrows on the map and HUD) then I'll play hardcore. If not I'll just keep playing Morrowind.