I think had Tropical Freeze looked like a noticeable step up from DCKR and less like a direct Wii sequel, there would have been a far better reaction towards the game upon it's unveiling tbh. As has been the case with Mario Kart. I think that's where the negativity came from, it felt like we'd just had this.
I think now everyone has calmed down there's a positive feeling towards the game and how they'll improve and expand on things in the sequel, but given Retro's ability to push a console, it's a bit disappointing that it looks like a DKCR Part 2.