Multiple attacks in 2E and 3E

[Shrykull]

I remember in second edition fighters got a second attack every other round (it said 2/3, what exactly does that mean, how are you supposed to know it means 1 in the first and 2 in the second without it telling you) if the had weapon specialization with that weapon, and all warriors (paladins, rangers and fighters) got multiple attacks just for being warriors after a certain level, that's one thing I don't like about 3E, that you eventually do get more attacks, but not at the same bonus like you would in 2E, not that 3E isn't jam packed with stuff I like, feats,etc.
So, why the difference, maybe I can understand it if you are using a heavy weapon, but what about a light weapon like a dagger or short sword?

[Brother-Captain Gaius]

In 3rd Ed., an "attack" does not represent a single thrust or swing. It represents 6 seconds of combat - parrying, attacking, dodging, the whole deal. As a PC's base attack bonus increases, which is indicitive of their skill with weapons and combat in general, it represents them being able to get more hits in, parry more effectively and generally leave more time for quicker, more effecient strikes, which is thus represented by the multiple attack bonuses. Its all about abstractions