I remember when G2 ponies came out. I was disappointed at how they looked but ecstatic to have ponies on the shelves again.
Remember, not only did we not have ponies for a time after G2 BUT we didn't have ponies from 1991 - 1997. That was a formidable part of my childhood and the reason I collected them even at a young age.
I was on the older side of kids for G2 but I loved them anyway and bought every single one of them. I was so sad when I couldn't find the last two to be released according to the package (Secret Tail and Satin Splash). I searched EVERYWHERE but they never made it to my area.
I also didn't have the internet at the time so I had to rely solely on the back of the packages to know the releases.
It wasn't until I got a computer in 2000 that I realized there were more G2 ponies overseas! I wanted them all but was too young to buy online (and it's not as commonplace to online shop as it is now. ;p)
We have been lucky since G3 to not have a gap... but you never know.. another pony blackout may happen one day.