i didn't really read the OP i'll just say this,..
...zelda doesn't need a complex combat system akin to DMC or whatever. simple combat can be okay sometimes. looking back at my personal favorite zelda (a link to the past) all i could do was 1. sword 2. charge sword 3. run with sword. that was enough because the was a great variety of enemies that made those 3 things still feel quite varied.
i think in the newer zeldas (at least the ones i've played) the variety in enemies isn't as good and that is really where people are criticizing zelda's combat.
also, the old zeldas had cooler bosses. it's the bosses in MM that makes it one of my favorites. TP, WW had shit for bosses compared to MM. it's amazing how much a satisfying boss can do to make an entire game feel satisfying.
