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Every since Mass Effect 3's ending uproar, there have been several misconceptions about certain things pertaining to the Mass Effect series. The first being, that Mass Effect was stated as being a game that would continually reflect the players choices in the follow up game. (i.e. Mass Effect to Mass Effect 2) This was stated by Casey Hudson himself in an interview with Geoff Keighley in regards to Mass Effect 2. Here's what he said, take note:
Geoff: Is the game going to start in different places for different people?
Casey: If you chose to start your game by importing your Mass Effect 1 save, your game will feel like your game.
Geoff: So there could be a different cutscene that starts the game?
Casey: Literally, the first moment will be different…and throughout.
Video of interview below, what is quoted starts at 17:56 and continues to 18:14.
http://www.gametrailers.com/episode/gametrailers-tv/54?year=2009&p=5#page6
It is this factor alone that prompted most people to play Mass Effect. They continued to play, in order to see how their choices would play out. However, Bioware was unable to deliver the experience they promised. Therefore, in order to avoid the PR disaster that has occurred. They should have stated that they could not deliver what they promised.
The second misconception, is in regards to the Mass Effect fan who filed a complaint with the FCC. There are many who believe he/she is suing Bioware. That is not the case, the complaint is that Bioware falsely advertised Mass Effect, which based on what I've pointed out, he/she is right.
The thing to remember is that Bioware stated that your actions would carry over to the next Mass Effect game. (i.e. Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 2 to Mass Effect 3) Thus, ultimately affecting how the game ended. However, that's not how it turned out. Mass Effect 3's ending garnered severe backlash. As a result, a new ending is in the works for the game and or pending.
In retrospect, Mass Effect was (in theory) suppose to be a non-linear game. Instead, it was a linear game, in which the players choices didn't matter. The ending was already set in stone. This is not to say it's not a good game, or the series for that matter. It's just, it was made out to be something it wasn't.