I think different people have different perceptions of how you should drive in those games. I'm not sure if I can say that I "mastered" the driving in GTA IV but if I wanted to I could definitely drive around without spinning out of control. Of course that required a lot more slowing down and careful turning than in a game like Saints Row. You literally cannot drive full out pedal to the metal and slide around corners, I don't think the engine was built with that in mind. The weight everyone talks about is not something new and unique in GTA IV. Even back in GTA3 each car had it's own characteristic handling. A jeep felt heavier to steer than a sports car. If anything I thought GTA IV vehicles displayed a lack of grip rather than realistic weight. I understand how some cars when entering a handbrake turn at high speeds will simply continue sliding with their inherent momentum and won't be able to come out of that slide - but nearly all cars did that including the bikes. It more often than not felt like you're constantly driving on a sheet of ice. So I suppose it took skill to learn that you can't drive too fast or you will crash and one had to exhibit a lot of control and patience in high speed chases as you couldn't drive with reckless abandon like Saints Row for example.