Best anime in 2012

[Syt]

No no, far be it from me to stop you. Stick it to the elitists and watch shows in inferior quality, with horrible subtitles that bear passing resemblance to the spoken content, with interruptions.

It's your right to seek out the best possible experience for your viewing pleasure. For me, anime is just another medium for stories that may entertain me - like comics, tv shows, movies, books or computer game. There's oodles of anime/manga I don't like. Usually, I lose interest quickly if the protagonists are high school students or giant robots are involved (with a few exceptions, like 12 Kingdoms). In general I prefer more serious stories, and drama over comedy. That said, I can still enjoy stuff like Hetalia or, in this case, Girls und Panzer, but that's mostly because of the topics (history parody and World of Tanks-like combat/Panzer porn).

That's why I like shows shows like Legend of Galactic Heroes, Ergo Proxy, Wolf Rain or even the rather mediocre Speed Grapher.

[Syt]

"Girls Und Panzer" is very enjoyable; I have no issues with recommending it. It may be silly in many respects, but it's the addictive kind of sillyness. Watch it if only to marvel at the reveal in the first episode of just exactly where their School is!

Alright, I'll bite.  Where is their school located?

[spoiler]A county sized aircraft carrier. It seems all schools are now located on those artificial islands.[/spoiler]

[Monoriu]

Usually, I lose interest quickly if the protagonists are high school students or giant robots are involved

Wataru is a famous show with a primary school student as protagonist, and he fights other dwarf robots with his dwarf robot.  Perfect show for you 

[Lettow77]

  After defending streaming sites you try to link images from one 

But I respect your taste in anime. I tend to prefer serious shows too- Legend of Galactic Heroes is easily my favourite anime. I might recommend Saraiya Goyou. Drama over comedy, and a historical slant, are definitely my preferences as well.

Victorian Romance Emma, maybe? Kaoru Mori has a genius sensibility. I am not sure how you'd feel about Mushishi, but it is of course a masterpiece, with a mature protagonist and serious tone.

[Syt]

I'm not having this discussion with you. I have better things to do with my time.

[Lettow77]

was just suggesting some anime you might like. I mean, I like them. I don't know how it came across, but the intent was friendly.