I don't have a whole lot to add to the conversation, just to note that libgdx for android also uses the the 3d + static camera approach to create 2d.
I'm also a 2d romantic, at least right now. I'm thinking of some more scifi 3d concepts in the future, but my project right now is strictly 2d, sprites, small animations (lovin it!). I'm hoping that the newer round of android tablets will have enough juice to get me through... we'll see.
