This is really interesting, because I've always been in the "meh" camp about X-2--I had issues with it re: the implementation of the jobs system as Pretty Pretty Princess, but I loved Paine forever and I loved that there were three female protagonists. A lot of my frustration with X-2 actually comes from feeling like I was gypped by the adverts: the preview hype was all "you can climb! And explore! And STUFF!" and suggested something cool and action-y, and then I got it and it was...not really. And that really coloured my interpretation. Another big thing for me was--I poke my nose into every corner, okay. And at the end of X-2 without a guide I only had 60% completion. That pissed me OFF. I am firmly of the opinion that someone as thorough as I am ought to hit 80% minimum without looking at a guide ever. And, as you mentioned, Lulu being sidelined was not awesome.

THAT BEING SAID, I did at least enjoy it enough to finish. And I love some of the newer characters who were introduced (Crimson Squad, etc.) Like Sev, too, I am partially target-audience and partially not: HEY LOOKIT BOOBS. ....ugh, objectification.

(I have the impression that neutrality is not the standard position for this game?)