The Roleplay seems gone (Score 1)

In 3rd edition i felt there was to much attention put on stats and combat abilities and very little on roleplay aids. If you compare the 2nd edition paladins handbook to its 3rd ed equivalent you can see the difference right away. Does the design team intend on trying to bring back some of the lore and roleplay that made the game so great in 1st and 2nd ed.?