Not sure what "Joe" was going to finish saying above, I was kinda interested.
I think the slimmer the RPG system and stats, the better, as long as there is still a solid mechanic framework for adjudicating task resolution. I don't think there's anything productive to be gained by players "fighting" with each other, and the whole point of the GM is for there to be a player-elected senior authority that takes care of mediating those kinds of decisions - you trust him to make judgments and rulings on things.
I still remember when I first decided to be a DM. The first thing I did was read the DM guide then looked through the various monster manuals. I have a good friend who I sat down with who was a DM and had him run a couple characters through a scenario I developed for my first game as a DM. He was a real help in pointing out this and that to help guide me along. For all I did I say it was a great beginning game and we both learned from it.