Roleplaying vs. Game Mechanics

All this recent discussion about the game mechanics of room clearing has got me thinking. How many players want detailed mechanics for their games (like GURPS or HERO Fifth Edition) compared to a faster, less-rule-heavy system (epitomized by diceless roleplaying games)?

Personally, I always thought GURPS struck a good balance in that you could pick and choose how rules heavy you wanted to be. For anyone that's ever played in any game I've run, you'll probably attest to my relative lack of rulesiness. Admitedly, in a SWAT game I use a lot more modifiers and rules (Snap Shot, Range, etc), than in a Cliffhangers game, but even in the heat of SWAT CQB I prefer a faster game with less rules.

Is that the norm for gamers? Or do people really want to know every modifier and every dice roll needed to cover every situation? GURPS has been developing a reputation as a sort of rules-heavy, technogadget, gearhead game lately - a direction I'd rather not see it take - so maybe I just feel like I'm butting heads against the inevitable movement of the massive behemoth called GURPS.

Anyway, drop me an email and let me know your thoughts. Rules heavy or rules light? Realism or cinematic fun? Inquiring minds want to know...