The only thing imo they ****ed up on was EOC, if i wanted that kind of combat style I would have played another MMO. Everything else about the game I can accept - a game needs to grow and continuously add new content, just because me or you or anyone else doesn't like particular things doesn't mean they're bad (tho I suppose that could be said about the combat system, which is fair enough.)

As I type this I remember lodestones, don't really like those either, made the game way too easy. Part of the reasons I did quests was for access to easier methods of travelling, most of that was eliminated with the introduction of lodestones.

Deadman mode - not really my thing, I was more of a PvM/skiller, but again, could see how much fun that could be for other people.