I haven't been on in a while, forever really, and I don't usually post anything, but this thread caught my attention.
Since we are all sharing our opinions I guess that I'll share mine.
A. They have changed, but that was expected, and if it wasn't it should have been. In my opinion, I don't see their change as a negative, they are growing up. Maybe it's because I am the same age as all of them, but it feels like I am growing up with them, not that I am growing away from them or them away from me for that matter.
B. I LOVED awkif but I enjoyed Riot! as well. I also like all the new Twilight stuff, even though I'm not super into twilight. Hayley's voice is maturing wonderfully and the bands music as a whole is also maturing. Sure it's no awkif but can one really expect it to be? That record was what started the love of Paramore for all of us, so it's a record that will always be hard to top.
C. I can honestly say that I disagree about the live shows. Sure more production has been put into them as the venues grow larger and larger, but that's just something that happens with success. The Final Riot was one of the best shows I've ever seen them play (and I've seen a ton). Everything about that show was amazing.
Yeah some of the fans that weren't there back in the day are kind of annoying with there behavior at recent shows, but that's hardly the bands fault.
D. Paramore still really cares about the fans. Truly. Yeah they can't chill with fans after shows like they used to, but that's just because they have become SO popular. Hayley especially really tries to keep that connection with the fans. She still posts on livejournal and I remember recently she came out of Jimmy Kimmel, after playing two shows AND having a signing, to sign autographs for the fans.
In conclusion, I guess I just want to express that I still love these guys to death and love the music they are making. This is not meant to be offensive in any way, I just wanted to provide my perspective on the bands "change."