I actually think this is quite a good thread, some good debates.
Personally, as much as I'm loving Zelda right now 25-30 hours in, some of what you said would have made it a better game. I think some of the things in Gamespots infamous 8.8 review are right, some outdated presentation (I don't mean graphically, I think the game looks amazing at times, and I own a 360 with a hdtv), but with the sound (lack of voices, not Link but all the other characters, the lack of orchestral music) let it down slightly.
I also totally agree with what you said about it not feeling like a 'world'. It feels a bit like a bunch of random locations, where there's about 3 people in each.
Really looking forward to seeing what happens with the next Zelda title.