Rune-based magic has never interested me very much. At least not as a primary mechanic...it's more interesting when used in a form of ritual magic that exists on the side IMO.
But necromancers are hella cool! Cheap, disposable summons are exactly how a necromantic class should work, too.
I think there's a lot of interest in slotless magic lately. Kineticist has gone over well, there's been renewed focus on focus points as a key encounter resource, and we've even started to see more shifts towards feat-based abilities. It makes sense to me that they're exploring the different aesthetics for these mechanics.
Though I agree, runes in particular feels kind of out of place to me. The game already utilized runes as semi-permanent constructs. This feels like muddying the water a little bit.
Oh yeah. I completely forgot about runes' use as transferable magic item properties. That makes it very different. I actually think I like it a little more. But only a little; I tend not to like classes based around crafting very much. Alchemist is the same.
But I agree there's a lot of interesting room to explore with different takes on spellcasting. The kineticist was a fantastic concept that seems to have been very well received.
hope we can see a pdf tommorrow