I've caught up on the few episodes that i missed and i must say it is very promising.
Wouldn't have guess that Ichigo's father was a shinigami, that was a jaw dropper and well I am really enjoying the depth of the storyline as is and well what is yet to come.
The story is taking a dramatic change and it is reflected in every character....
FUCK YEAH, I finally got to see Beshime in action, I knew that she was one badass mother. I can't wait to see what Urahara is truly capable off. not to mention what Ichigo's father can do.
I am tempted to stop watching the series for a bit, just for the pleasure of watching a few episodes back to back once again.
On the side discussion that is going on: FMA is a GREAT series that is including the movie. It is one of my favorite animes of all time. BUT FMA and Bleach can't be compared nor is trying to compare them going to do either series any justice.... Every different genre of anime has its own standard of greatness these two are in different catagories. Please don't compare them. Besides Bleach is not yet finished, lets just enjoy what is yet to come.
Back on topic.
The reason why Toshirou Masamoto, Renji and the rest were chosen to be sent to the real world is because can you really imagine any of the other high ranking shinigami fitting in. I mean do you really think they would look the part.
Also the ones that remained are the older generation of captain also I believe that they are the more powerful ones as well. While Toshirou is a captain he is fairly weak and inexperienced, remember he became a shinigami after Renji. You don't want to have alot of powerful characters involved with the kinda changes that is happening in the story, I mean it would be like having Rocket launchers and no one to really use them on, just not necessary ( pardon my lame metaphor, kinda sleepy)
Besides sending anyone else would kinda take away from what Ichigo and the others are going through, not to mention that Ichigo and this group have a fairly developed relationship.
Edit : grammar