I think I'm done with D20-based games. I don't find the system particularly engaging anymore, and I find the more interesting things are happening outside of that space.
The last d20-based system I've looked at is 13th Age, which I consider the pinnacle of what can be done with d20 systems. Despite that, I have no desire to run it.
(Note: this is not a plea for shilling your favorite d20 system or author. I've done more exploring than this toot lets on and frankly I'm done with the system)
@craigmaloney What are your thoughts on Tri-Stat?
D20 never really worked for me due to a bad DM not letting me learn it properly before killing off my character and making me her water boy. OTOH BESM was very easy to pick up. I could understand how it might lack the structure you want, though.
@craigmaloney Yeah, I was brand new in the gaming club and after a couple sessions with her I stopped. Her brother was good, and I had a lot of fun with him, but he stopped after my first session. The chaperone noticed me looking totally lost on my 4th visit and pointed me to the new BESM campaign. If he hadn't, I probably would have just stopped coming, much less roleplaying.
BESM does work best when the GM is good at adding drama and/or structure. I agree stock leaves gaps.
@bluestarultor Tri-stat is interesting to me because it tickles the remnants of GURPS that I still have within me. That said it felt a lot like I'd have to fill in a lot of the blanks and create my own structures, at which point I'd rather just use Fudge, Fate, or something else that's lighter and more free-form.
That sucks though about your experience with D&D. That's no fun.