You definitely have some valid points and I may look into some of them for possible changes. However I suspect the biggest issue here is the major format change if you are accustomed to 03x along with the system requirements which have increased in the 04x series. As with all changes sometimes there are some that people like and some that people don't like. The best parts of the new system in my opinion you never even got to, which is the new ext2 and package system. The setup it's self is definitely a LOT different, but again it now has the capability to support other languages as does the rest of the system. So there are always trade offs and when installed on a Pentium class machine it runs quite well.
But again there was nothing wrong with the 03x series and if you are happy with it then by all means continue using it as I will continue to support it.
Thanks for your input and I am at least still hoping that your dislike of the 04x series is in a minority.
Lewis