ipodwithnomusic, you're right that BREAK cards are a gimmick that they made up...but that's just like EX cards, like LV. X cards, like LEGEND cards, like Prime Pokémon, like Delta Species, like Dark (the name not the type) cards, like Light cards, like Ancient Traits, like owner Pokemon, like SP Pokemon, like Crystal Pokémon of the E-series, like full arts, like the various shiny Pokémon released throughout the game's history. I trust my point has been made here, BREAK is not the first gimmick and it probably won't be the last one. How many of these were collected despite this, by you or anyone else?
I can't see EX Pokémon as being the "most powerful" of their species. Why else do we have 3 Charizard EX's and 3 Mewtwo EX's (aside from the game loving them a lot) 4 Rayquaza? 2 Kyogre? 2 Groudon? 2 Latios? 3 Kyurem? 2 Giratina? 2 Lugia? And this list is only from Next Destinies on, we're not factoring in the older EX's here.
As has been mentioned before, I too am disappointed that they seemed to have given up on Ancient Traits. Those were so nice to see and use. We need more of these, I keep hoping this set not having Ancient Traits was a hiccup and that we'll see them in the next set but I'm not holding my breath on that one.
In this environment I don't see BREAK'S being all that playable but let's wait until we've gotten these cards and tested them out before we make final judgment. Also, support cards COULD change that, though it might also not matter in the long run too. The gold look is a bit bizarre but I can say that about normal artwork too. Most of us will get used to it.
I do plan on collecting BREAK cards just as I've collected everything else over the years.
I do realize that there are some people who like them, they're just a slim minority, at least of all of the opinions I've seen personally. 
