"The graphics vs gameplay dicothomy"
What? I do NOT write that. And since your entire reply is based on that, it's invalid (unless you replying to someone else, in which case, you should have quoted him/her directly).
I wrote "how great a time you have playing a game" is what makes a game great.
And tech level just makes certain games possible on its own, not great on its own.
A flashy-first game is awesome when it comes out. A great-first game is awesome forever.
Plus, just for the hell of it: Kelly Brook at the 2008 BAFTAs








