With 3rd edition you confirmed the crit, and only if you successfully hit again did you get to do x2, x 3 etc damage. Glad to be rid of confirming in favour of max damage.
We never actually confirm our criticals, we just run with it.
I think max damage is still better no matter what. caus x2/3/4 on a roll of 1 is still only 2/3/4.
The only reason I like the multiplier is that a critical hit can be extremely deadly to you or the enemy, having a critical hit scored is pretty nerve wracking(at least i think so) seeing the damage roll a 1 or 2 is one of the greatest feelings of relief. For instance one of my players was buffed/enlarged last night, and critically hit with his enlarged greatsword for 3d6+9
Minimum damage being 24 is not bad during a non epic combat.
I see your point but I think there are merits to both systems.