Around the World reactions

I played Around the World in 80 Days several times before the Gathering and didn't play it once
at the Gathering. This wasn't because I don't like it any more; in
fact, I like it a great deal, but I was focused on new games a lot.

But, it's worth mentioning that there was a very interesting
bi-modality of the reactions to this game. Many people seemed to have
a similar reaction to me, which is that it was a fun, interesting
light strategy game. Several comments were made suggesting it would
be a good SdJ contendor. Others seemed to have a very negative
reaction, which really surprised me. I can see someone not especially
liking it, but I was rather surprised by the frequency and magnitude
of the negative opinions, given the similar occurence of very positive
opinions.

Given that, maybe it really is a Spiele des Jares 2005 possibility.