I have encountered all sorts of players, some are just as described above, cardboard cut outs. “Hollow people”. They look at me in shock when my bard starts singing a song i wrote, or because my Cleric wants to pray… Not for the XP, simply because thats what they would do.
What do I mean by Cardboard cut outs? Two Dimensional, when you look at them from the front they look just like a real person, but if you delve deeper, you realise they have no depth, no soul, they are a product of the numbers and nothing more..
There are also have players that enjoy a story. Most of the players i am friends with are just that, IL is running a totally free form game, no rules to speak of, we are talking full on acting. Total role playing. Its great fun. Although my Character is developing in a strange way…. Channelling someone with issues is always hard.
I even have a DM who is allowing me to step up and run a thread on my Bards Homecoming, the whole thing will be purely role play, to some this is utterly irrelevant, but to others… well its the point of the game. I truly think the Story is King.
As a player i play 2e and 3.5e does the edition matter? no. Does what the rule book say affect me when i make them? No.
I was taught recently by a very smart guy (Cole) that as a dm ignore what the rules say. You choose, if you want something to happen.. It
happens. I say screw the typical player. Play it your way and enjoy it.