Maekir

Hmmm...haven't we all heard this one before...."Duke Nukem is on the way..."

Still you never know they might actually deliver...

Things always move forward or change so in that respect I think it is a given that RPGs are bound to change/evolve. Similarly, there are changes in RPGs that could be considered both good and bad. I would say I am hopeful that RPGs can continue to improve.
My area of concern is that many "new" RPGs seem rather lacking in story when compared to the gems of the past such as the baldur's gate series, fallout series, etc. Honestly many newer rgps feel rather dumbed down. If anything I miss the old story/character building rpgs that were meant for people of at least some intellect and level of maturity.
I don't think numerical elements are a necessity for an rpg, as long as their is some sort of feedback or feeling of progression the numbers themselves are necessary mostly for game calculations.

Still the adage of the "more things change the more they stay the same" feels rather applicable.