Obviously there are strong GMs who played, play and will play 1) e4
Otherwise IMO 1) e4 e5 should be annoying to play at high levels because whether it's the Petrov Defense (1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6), the Spanish (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5), the Italian (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4), the Scottish (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) I have the impression there is no real advantage for White and that it should be harder not to draw than to win.
think it is because of a few reasons. First of all, against 1. e4, Black has quite a few solid defences, where it is very hard for White to play for a win, without risk and allowing good counter-chances. One of these openings has been named by quite a few posters already, the Petroff. Kasparov himself had quite a few problems trying to break this defence. It's also in the repertoire of almost all the top players. Another rock-solid defence that is taking the sting out of 1. e4 is the Berlin wall. White is having a lot of trouble proving any sort of advantage against it, as well. Plus, the bishop pair gives Black very good counter-chances in the endgame. Another defence that is sporting good results is the Caro-Khan. Players have even had to experiment with the Fantasy variation in order to press Black for an edge. And the last reason for the decline of 1. e4 is the Sicilian. Carlsen even played the Dragon at Bazna, which says quite a lot about Black resources in this very popular defence.
45% of all master level games played on the lichess database start with e4--the most popular option. d4 is second with 36% of all master level games. I would say the premise of this forum is faulty.
E4 is played at high level. It is the most popular move on master level.
WHAT E4 OPENINGS SHOULD YOU PLAY:
Vienna System
Italian Game
Evans Gambit
Fried Liver Attack
No
Yes
Maybe?
No
And you forgot the Ruy Lopez.