1.0.3 was the baby steps. Its biggest role was to start undoing the existing mechanics (as well as few changes added on with previous patches) that made the game horribly frustrating to play. Allowing ilvl 63 items to drop in Act 1 and Act 2, even at a lower rate, ensured that players had a more realistic chance at progression.
1.0.4 was the jog around the track. Its biggest role was to add another incentive to continue doing the only available end-game content: farming items. The Paragon System is not the ultimate solution but its benefits are a good enough reason for many to continue the item grind. Also, Witch Doctors.
1.0.5 is the parkour sprint through an elaborate obstacle course. Its biggest role was adding end-game content: the Infernal Machine. This is simply Diablo 3's version of Diablo 2's Pandemonium Event, in which you kill specific monsters across various zones to collect three different keys that grant access to uber bosses who drop organs necessary to craft a legendary ring with the potential to roll incredibly powerful properties. Run-on much?
Some might argue the ring isn't worth much outside of its experience boost because the Hellfire proc is worthless. Before my brain explodes from the sheer ignorance of such a notion, consider that the ring is a guaranteed +170 to your main stat and that if it rolls even one damage property (critical hit chance, critical hit damage, or attack speed), it's already better than 99% of the rings you can buy off the Auction House. A good ring is one of the most expensive pieces of gear you'll buy (if you don't find one) and the fact that you can obtain it without farming for weeks or months makes the Hellfire ring a very realistic upgrade for most players. Also, keep in mind that killing a Keywarden with 5 stacks of Nephalem Valor yields similar rewards to killing any elite or champion pack so there's no reason (other than deviating from a set farming routine) not to gather keys during your runs. The only hard part is killing the uber bosses, which isn't even that hard on Monster Power 4 if you have halfway decent gear. Having another competent player join you actually makes it a breeze.
Now all Blizzard needs to add is some PvP, an improved Blacksmith, further skill balancing, and one or two more end-game events and I will be very satisfied with Diablo 3 until the expansion.
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