Well, the end of Civil War is sorta what did it for me. Cap submitted to Stark's unconstitutional takeover of large sections of the American military. And then, of course, they killed Steve Rogers - a decision Brubaker made, in part, if I understand correctly (and please correct me if I'm wrong) because you couldn't tell the kind of stories that Marvel wanted to tell with Steve Rogers because he was, basically, sorta lefty and strongly moral - but I think Steve's capitulation to Stark's unconstitutional power was a watershed with the character. I stopped reading Marvel Universe stuff shortly thereafter, with a fair bit of sneering in disgust, might I add, in large part because of Cap's cowardice in the face of Stark's authority. I see that as a watershed moment in the character's history and, I believe, and if I am wrong please correct me, a sign of Marvel's editorial direction, which has had a reactionary bent to it.

Which goes strongly into what Athelind was saying and we ought to "take him back". Well, for good or ill, in a capitalist system the best way to do that is to give Marvel the finger and not buy their products until they end this long Dork Age they're putting the MU through. But, in taking that stance, I am also aware that it might not work. If the changes prove to be popular, they could well be enduring.

(This is also addressed to Athe's concerns, but I know he'll read this post.)