GAME OF THRONES Straying Further From The Books Than I Like (Spoilers)

The first season was spot on. The second had the random switch of Arya serving Tywin Lannister as opposed to Vargo Hoat (who becomes relevant this season), and having just gotten to Sunday's second episode I have to wonder if I've made a mistake. I told myself when I started reading the series that I wouldn't have to worry about the book being better than the show or vice versa because at the time they were one in the same. While things are basically on the same path, there's a couple unforgivable in this season that are as plain as the undeformed nose on Tyrion's face.. For those of you who have not read the books and are just curious I've added a little context to why the events of season 3 are unacceptable. Oh man...I've become THAT guy, haven't I?

• Sam did manage to get a couple of ravens out before the attack on the fist of the first men. Don't remember how relevant this is, but you can't be taking away the small victories Samwell Tarly gets. He's one of the greater characters in the novel.

• Davos never tried to assassinate Melisandre. He was plotting it on his way to the docks and was arrested on kings command and thrown in prison before he had that chance. The show missed out on a lot of character development between the two characters in nixing that. It also shows the scale of Melisandre's powers.

• Tyrion should be missing half his nose according to the novels. The show actually made a nod to this when Cersei commented on it when she visited him.

• Qyburn being present at Winterfell. You may not remember him as he only had one line in the season premiere. There wasn't a reason for him to be there, and they didn't even use him for anything!

• Jon Snow never had the pox and Lady Catelyn would've done cartwheels had that happened. In truth she is a very unlikeable character in the novels, and I wish they would stop trying to bring a sense of humanity to her. It's only going to make things harder to develop down the line.

• The revelation that Theon Greyjoy is alive does not happen until the fifth book. This isn't really a huge deal as I think they are just covering some parts that the novel only mentioned in passing.

• A couple of characters are missing from the band of rebels that join up with Arya and her crew. It's also worth noting that these are men who served and continue to serve the will of King Robert Baratheon, which adds yet another element to the war. PLUS THEY SANG BEAR AT THE MAIDEN FAIR AND NOT RAINS OF CASTAMERE AND I REALLY WANTED TO HEAR THAT SONG!

Not to mention the late arrival of Jojen and Meera Reed, the fact that Rickon and Osha are still with the group, and a couple other things that have made me weary on where this season is headed. Some of the calls make sense for the lack of time permitted in a standard episode...others seem done simply because they can. I know this isn't the first time the show has strayed from major events, but it's happening more frequently and beginning to turn me off to the show. Fellow readers of the series do you share my opinion? Are there any other inconsistencies that bugged you?