To be far to Bioware, Baldur's Gate II is probably the greatest RPG ever (in my opinion). To go back in that direction completely will only lead to people not enjoying the game.
Its not like they haven't made good games since BGII. Neverwinter Nights was good, but suffered from the problem it wasn't BGII. KOTOR was fantastic. One of the best console RPGs ever. Jade Empire was alright, but obviously a low mark. Most of that had to do with expectations at the time, but its the only Bioware game I own that I never replayed. Mass Effect is great sidquests/more varied landscapes away from being a really, really great game. Hopefully, ME2 fills in those gaps.
I think Dragon Age is going to be good. I know, though, it isnt going to be the grand return to the PC RPGs where you could spend 40 hours and not touch the main quest.