I started with either IV or VI, I cant remember which.

I've noticed this trend, but usually it's just with younger gamers, who grew up with Playstation as their first system, and are somewhat 'spoiled' by nice graphics. Of course, that's a broad generalization.

I agree with what most everyone has said, but I'd like to add that I've noticed that some of the 'old school' players are immeadiatly put off by the newer games. Many of them spend a lot of time complaining about every little aspect of the new games (I was guilty of this until I realized how dumb I was and stopped) rather than just playing and enjoying them for what they are (though I still like more of the other games than the newer).