I think the PP games became too unwieldy for newer players to try and get involved in. The pure amount of rules was on an incredible level, especially the intricacies of interactions. While there are roughly the same amount of rules, because of the same amount of models, the wonky rules interactions are mostly removed. Of course a few still exist as relics of the past, but in general, the abusiveness is toned down. Anyone else remember their first game against a few units of Bane Knights? Yeah, that's fun.
Anyway, I'm excited for both PP games, and also very excited for Malifaux. I'm hoping I get the chance to really take my time with the smaller amount of minis and become a better painter. There is a lot of potential there, and since each mini has so many little things to do, it's a bit easier to put that commitment in.