Oh, and on the subject of changes in episode 4:
I'm a bit wary of it. I think there are a few things going on. First, I think Jon came back to Castle Black a lot earlier than in the books, so they probably need another story arc to time the big battle correctly. Secondly, having Bran interact with people we've seen before gives viewers some more perspective of what's going on with him and where he is. Maybe they thought it was important for people to have a picture in their head of where Bran actually is, instead of having him entirely disconnected from everyone else. In the books it feels like he travels forever and ever, and I didn't really have any idea of where he ever was.. it just seemed like really far north.
I think the biggest concern is Bran/Jon meeting. I guess Bran could convince Jon that his quest is necessary, but I think them meeting at this point, and Jon letting Bran go, is going to seem really weird. I think the best thing to happen would be for Jon and his party to attack Craster's, there big a big battle between, and having Bran and co. escape in the mayhem without Jon or anyone else seeing him.
I'm not too concerned with the changes in Meereen. Dany's storyline feels like it's moving faster than in the books, which I think is good. I wonder if we're going to start meeting some people traveling towards her, or if we're going to meet them next season when they're well on route. Though they may be cutting some... unlike many people, I liked Quentin and enjoyed his tragic arc. It as just so Martin, to have this young idealistic prince with an actual valid solution to the problem at hand (Dorn backing Dany could probably get her the throne), come and fail so horribly. Especially with all the prophecy buildup that we're expecting someone else to be able to ride her other two dragons. Tyrion I'm guessing will come to Dany the same way, and probably meet Aegon and Cottington on the way.
Which brings me to the Greyjoys. I'm concerned we never saw Balon die. Or heard about it. It's still likely to happen as Stannis burned a leech, but I'm wondering why it's taking so long. Maybe they're going to do more on the Iron Islands in the latter half of the season. If Balon dies later on, they can introduce Euron and Victarion (and Aeron) at that point. They can cut out the Queensmoot stuff and just have Euron come in for a quick takeover. I hope they don't cut Victarion and Euron, as I feel they're going to become pretty important. Thought, they're not really my favorite characters.
It felt like Locke got to Castle Black really fast. I guess he had good horses and you can travel quickly alone. Also.. shouldn't Stannis have left by now? Every time I see him I think he should be gone.. especially when Davos read him the letter at the end of last season. In the books it seemed like Stannis was convinced to leave right away.. and in the show it seemed like he was convinced too. I keep wondering what's going to convince him to leave.