In fact, I pretty much lived the same.
Played the whole game of superstar saga and first, I hated so much the L and R control that....it got frustrating.
But I just wasn;t impressed....especially the text I found the joke a bit.....too simple.
Same for most of the game actually....I just wasn;t reached.
Now, I tried the demo of dream team...remove the L and R frustation, but keep the other flaw and so, it basically again, I don't feel it reach me.
btw, I have to mention, I'm VERY picky on games. If you wonder why a make so much of a fuss to TTYD....it's just did what I never tought was possible, all was made for me to enjoy it.
Long story, but that's a good TL;DR