Thoughts About Current Anime Culture in the United States

[Nate]

The only time I was treated rudely was when I tried to take a picture of a cosplayer (note to new con-goers: ASK FIRST).

Oh, yeah yeah. XD The only time it's acceptable to take photos without asking is at the shoots. Otherwise be sure you ask. They'll almost always say yes, it's just a courtesy thing.

(also I'm wondering about your first paragraph--what does piracy have to do with crossplayers?)

As far as I can tell the logic goes something like "Anime companies are going out of business because many of their fans are morally bankrupt."

This last con was much more organized, and you aren't even allowed to carry a sign.

You aren't allowed to carry signs at Otakon either, last I checked, but I think there are some exceptions because I saw a guy with the suit and afro carrying a "POOL'S CLOSED" sign. I think they just don't want the signs that are like "Will yaoi for yuri" or "Free hugs."

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I think that animes released in the past couple years (such as Monster, Paprika, Baccano, Paranoia Agent) were way better than the ones in the early/late 90s.

So the OP's last paragraph is really more along the lines of a subjective statement than anything.