Welcome back!
In all honesty, I can't say that "Notes" is all shiny, new, and vastly improved. In fact, it's more similar, slightly changed, but interestingly acceptable. (How is that for keeping expectations low!) One thing is for sure, the "Notes" mailing list is now a realistic-a couple of hundred actual subscribers instead of a couple of thousand fake ones. So enjoy, and if you're so inclined, agree/disagree, but now realize you are among friends who do want to hear what you're thinking and feeling.