So what can you tell us about this venerable system?

I play Pathfinder every weekend! Gearing up to running a Kingmaker Campaign too!

Generally I find it to be a good continuation of dnd 3.5, but there are still a few issues with the way certain things work but it definately doesn’t seem to have that ‘must buy’ feel on new source books that WoTC seemed to have in the 3.5 days which is always good for the wallet.

I think it might however not be overly geared towards the starter player, although I hear the starter boxed set is quite good.

Not a fan of 3x so Ive not bothered with Pathfinder, it does look like a good version of the 3x engine so if you were a fan its worth a look as far as I can tell

The CMB rules do make grappling easier, but bear in mind it is still not a perfect system! Favoured class stuff is nice though. The special alternatives you can pick up in the additional books are a good way of adding flavour to characters as well as making some small entertaining game options. I think all of the alternatives are available in the SRD as they are defined as open content.

Hopefully we cant get the Tzar to help pull together a getting started with pathfinder article series.

Yes, I just started a group playing Pathfinder, had great success, its a great rule-set. The beginner box is great! Its value and presentation is perfect for newcomers, a must buy!