Actually, Ixtoc was in 135 ft of water, but I'll buy that that isn't all "that" different from 50 ft. What you don't seem to grasp is that the shallower water makes the effects WORSE. Like it or not, dilution "does" have an effect on pollution.
"I’m hopeful that this one is stopped soon and its effects are limited to a mere 5 years. But it looks far worse to me now in size and effect."
Yeah, that's what the media are painting it as, but the numbers don't support that conclusion. The press seems to be "one-upping" each other to find some commentator, no matter how ill qualified, to spout an ever-larger catastrophe. Nobody seems to actually be checking facts (apparently other than me).
The "plumes" are yet another un-substantiated story at this point. They may not even be oil-related.
Another difference between Ixtoc is the area hit. South Texas beaches versus the marshes.And booms were effective. Some oil escaped around, but Impacts to the estuaries were minor.