I think Jarlax has the right of it, there. They weren't playing 4e, but a Homebrewed D&D Game which incorporated a bunch of new 4e Rules. Drawing conclusions about which Races are available from that is unwise.
That said, I hate the new titles: 'Defender, Leader, Controller and Striker'. Don't really know why, they just rub me the wrong way. I also find the idea of a Cleric healing his companion by hitting a Monster loathesome. Still, it's unsurprising that there are going to be things about 4e that I don't like. even if I were the one designing it, I bet there would be things I wouldn't like.