I ended up buying the game in the end and I must say I like it!
I agree with most of your points. I really hated the Norende Village sidequest. It sucks and it took me about 2 weeks to almost complete it with net invites, given that no one has the game here so I can't get streetpass .
"I've Underestimated the Horse Power from Mario Kart 8, I'll Never Doubt the WiiU's Engine Again"