I loved both Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross.
I don't know why some people were so dead set on a direct sequel to Trigger. I think it would have overcomplicated things.
I also don't really understand why so many people hated that you could have so many different characters in your party. If you wanted characters with some background, there still were a few, like Kid and Harle. But if you wanted some crazy character with unique abilities you could choose that too. I loved so many of the characters. Pip (see my username), Kid, Harle, Serge, and Leena.
Plus no random encounters and a unique battle system! Loved it.
I actually prefer the Chrono series to the Final Fantasy series. I was hoping the DS port of Trigger would sell like hotcakes and then SE would release more games in the Chrono series. Maybe I should go out and buy a few more copies...