Everyone is just used to WRPGs like Fallout, Oblivion, and Mass Effect they don't like something that's different. A lot of people hated FF XII too. I have been playing the core series of FF (not the spin offs) since red mage, thief, white mage days. Each one brings something new and of course some fans of previous installments won't like the evolution of the game, because its different.
I know I have enjoyed the differences in each installment, it may take some time to get used to but it is the best thing that could happen with the series. You don't want to play the same JRPG over and over. At least SE mixes it up each time, it may lose some fans but hey you will pick up new ones with a different look.
Fact: Earthbound is the greatest game ever made
