I'm hoping we'll still be able to go the equivalent of 51pt + 21pt talents, in the same build.

It is cookie cutter, in that everyone will eventually have at least 31 points in their primary specialization, and 10 more points (or whatever) elsewhere. So you won't see super hybrid builds like 20/20/21 or whatever... but with fewer filler talents and core abilities at 10th and beyond, this could be a very nice change.

The jury is out, but we shall see soon enough.