Aussie hit it on the nail, once again. I think most of the detractors, me included, see that net loss of depth and features as the biggest negative of them all. Sure, the AI is pale, but modders have shown before that they can fix almost anything with the right tools and time. If you look closer to most of the sincere complains (sincere as in "no trying to rant"), you will find that they are not focusing on the AI or other technical aspects of the game, but on the complete lack of depth and the abscence of what I (and probably many others) see as the "core" of the franchise. Now THAT is the main complain, worry, call it whatever you want.
The first problem with that is that it probably cannot be fixed. The second problem with that is that it signals a trend that for many of us is not "encouraging", so to speak. In my case, at least, and I have said it many times before, I feel that this iteration signals the start of the mediocrization of the series. No offense intended, but that is what I feel. Is that good? Depends: from one point of view, if that brings the "mass market" to the cash register in order to further support the series, it may be good. But then again, why would I want the series to survive with this new mediocre face?
That inherent contradiction is what makes me (and probably many others) hopeless. Sure, the money from the "casuals" will help the franchise survive (although I'm not sure if it is that vital, because the franchise has survived for 20 years riding on the backs of the "hardcores"), but for what? The "casuals" will abandon the series as soon as they get bored, and winning at deity without thinking will sure bore them, as well as anyone else... so, after the short term hit in finances, who will be there to continue playing (and buying)?
My answer: I don't know. The problem is, this is the first time in the series that my answer about its future is "I don't know".