Abouth is mapping worthy. Well not right now. New versions came out not too long ago actually. People aren't bored yet with the new addings. But if this versions grows older and older... (like last one did) The mapping community will flourish once again I belive.
As I tought new version will kill mapping. And it is supposed to do so. If new versions wouldn't kill mapping it would be a failed version.
And yup... new type of polygons could help.
One way polygons. trampoline polygons. "Flag carrier only collidor/flag collidor"
Hhmm... maybe some "wind" effects... could fly faster on certain areas to certain direction and if you try to move "agains wind" you would be slower...
We need more posibilitys.
The currently "mine of maps" is pretty much dig dry. Sure we still can improve a bit of our old works. But they won't be "much" difrent. The gaming experience won't change much.