the rules in here are all things that every person should know from the get go. And 4 is pointless. The way L4D plays, a formation would be more harmful than helpful.
I think that the games you compared here hold true to your intent.
But over all, I think that the quality of games from 08 was far better that last year. Left 4 Dead Mirror's Edge Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Super Smash Bros Brawl etc.
I'm just saying that if you're not comparing similar titles and just making out a list of good games from each year, you're 08 list will be larger.