One positive note I got from this particular patch so far is that the whole "creatures as improvised weapons" thing may be a step towards properly implemeting grappling as a mechanic. Being able to just pick up and throw people without actually getting a proper hold of them first is kinda ridiculously unbalanced, but if shoving were to be reduced to a mild poke mostly useful for moving an enemy away a little (to free up movement for a different character, for instance) or knocking 'em down as per the rules, the grapple + throw combo could then become your way to really chuck people around. There's risk involved as the grab could fail (always succeeding when used on allies, though?), but that would also make the whole throw-a-thon much less of a cheesy tactic, making it a tactical tool to use when it's *actually* relevant. Throwing someone could work as a bonus action following the grapple on the same turn, kinda like how the Produce Flame toss is implemented.
Another thing is that tossing objects kinda became the new teleport spell from the D:OS games. "Fill a box with grenades and throw it in the fire" tactic is alive and well again, except for the weight limitations. Not that I mind, but I can see how hardcore 5e purists would see that as yet another "it's just like D:OS!1!" argument.
