My core #DnD group met in middle school in the 80s. A few of us started playing together in elementary school. We've picked up folks along the way and have side groups. In planning my next campaign, I asked everyone what their favorite edition was. Of our DMs, we agreed #DnD5e might be the easiest to DM and the fastest to introduce to new players. Interestingly, none of us consider 5e to be our favorite edition to actually play. That was split between #ADnD and #DnD35e.
I'll add that I think #DnD5e's relative ease to DM and fast introduction has probably contributed a lot to its growth. Just because it's not my group's favorite edition doesn't mean it's not great game.