Really wish they had taken an unknown or someone with not as high a profile as Affleck. He's got the physical presence for the role, just hope he can pull off being Batman. He's a good actor, no question. But, like you said, Bale was great. Best live action Batman so far.
After reading the announcement this morning, my kids and I agreed Bale was the best Batman. Initially disagreed on best Joker. They say Mark Hamill -- he's been the voice of Joker in many animated films and games. I have to agree he is impressive, but Ledger really brought him to like. In the end, I had to agree both were fantastic and I couldn't choose.
Cheers,
Duane