So here's my thoughts on the CTF changes. I'll try to stay away from commenting on actual gameplay itself since I didn't play the game.
First things first: I'm glad that 343 is finally hearing the complaints and is sticking to one vision on CTF for Halo 4. If the flag ends up undroppable in the final game, it should be like this in all playlists, conversely, if it becomes droppable again, this should also apply to all playlists.
Dropping: I'm on the fence about. I can see why they did it, and I mostly agree with it. It definitely streamlines the UX and makes Objective's mechanics easier to access. Autopickup solves the problem of wanting to get a flag but you pick up a weapon instead, and the less dextrious players can also now just walk their spartan over a flag and contribute instead of flustering with the controls (it DOES happen, not everyone can handle a controller in the same expert fashion). It plays into their scoring system, and it makes automatically being granted a magnum make more sense if you're stuck with the flag until you score. Finally, it solves the problem of one player constantly refreshing the flag in the back of a base then going back to slaying in Objective hold situations. Obj holding will now permanently put you a man down AND you have a waypoint on you.
However, my concern lies on the constant notifications. We've had our debates over flag throwing before, and they were fun, so I'll just say this. I never throw the flag for two reasons: because it's dangerous as shit to do on LIVE, and because it aggros the other team. I'll expand on that meaning people that tend to shift to slayer mode in CTF will be "poked" into persuing the flag and returning it if you constantly remind them that they're playing CTF and to come get you. In Halo 4, this trade off (holding onto the flag to stay radio silent and use ignorance to your advantage, or throwing it and aggroing the entire world onto you) is gone. The other team is constantly notified of the flag.
I can see why they did it, or my opinion of why they did it. If the announcer is explicitly telling the players what to do, it SHOULD result in better CTF play from randoms since the game will outline their current task in explicit detail. Your flag has been stolen. Now kill the carrier. Y ou killed the carrier, now defend the flag so it returns. etc etc. But now you don't have the option of stealth (especially with the waypoint), so I'm not exactly sure this won't just cause more corpse capping (as the other team will be like moths to the flame) or just make CTF focused more on wiping the other team then pulling and losing the awesome ninja runs and caps.
I'd feel better about solidifying an opinion once I've played the gametype for a while, but I'm not too worried as long as they pick one CTF and stick with that CTF for Halo 4.
