The one thing this game needs -- as much, if not more than a patch -- are solid arena sized maps. So far there are zero quality small maps (it's a stretch to say that Countdown and Zealot are good), that are not forged.
Traditionally, the best, and most loved maps in previous Halo titles were the smaller symmetrical maps.
Halo: CE had: Prisoner, Damnation, Battle Creek, Chill Out, Wizard, Derelict.
Halo 2 had: Lockout, Midship, Sanctuary, Warlock, Beaver Creek.
Halo 3 had: The Pit, Heretic, Guardian, and MAYBE Narrows.
Seems to be a trend with less and less solid maps. So far in Halo: Reach all the maps that have been made are designed for BTB play. Of the 14 multiplayer maps so far, including these last 2, there will be 7 maps (50%!) dedicated to BTB play.
It's really a shame this game is going to go to waste because of a lack of patch and/or decent competitive maps. Looks like I'll be continuing my 3 year streak of not buying a single Halo map pack.
[Edited on 02.14.2011 11:59 PM PST]