Just in case you guys didn't realize yet, Naruto isn't completely over. There is a new movie releasing in December called Naruto: The Last, which is set 2 years later. Kishi himself created character designs for the movie and helped with the story. The movie is the begnning of what they're calling the "Start of a New Era Project (Shinjidai Kaimaku Purojekkuto)", new canonical entries into the Naruto story set after the ending of the manga. We're not sure in what way these new entries will be delivered yet, it's possible that they're planning a 3rd anime series after Shippuden finishes, written by someone other than Kishi.

Yeah, let's just hope it's better than Dragon Ball GT, lol. They seem to be hinting at a more adult anime, the characters will supposedly be 2 years older, which makes Naruto and the others in his age group 18-19. They also seem to be hinting at some romances, for instance Shikamaru seems to be wearing a Sand Village flack jacket in his concept design for the new movie, suggesting that he has taken a position as a Leaf liason to the Sand village, perhaps in order to be closer to Temari (Kishi has hinted at a Shikamaru/Temari romance in the past). 

There are things in this arc I like, such as Isshin and Masaki's past. Though some thing I wonder about, like why they even introduced Halibel at the start of the arc? Perhaps it's saved for the end, but it seems odd how noting really came of it. And there have certainly been a lot of nice characters in the series. Some of my favorites are Yoruichi, Ulquiorra, Nell and Kenpachi. Though many of them suffer from lack of development. But that's not something unique to Bleach, but something common in many shounen series that has a large cast, so it was expected to happen. I think one exception to this rule was Fullmetal Alchemist (Brotherhood, when it coems to the anime). Every character was still useful even by the end of the series. I found that refreshing.
I don't really find any of the newest characters from this arc interesting though (Especially Pepe...) except for the Quincy King, and those two brothers who were mentioned. One could copy someones appearance and the other could copy their abilities.

As for manga/anime with good characters, Fullmetal Alchemist (Brotherhood), Durarara!!, and Code Geass are some of my favorites in that regard.
Durarara is finally getting a second season this January, which I'm very happy about.

They're called the Big 3 because they're the most recognizable animes from all over the world?

If I ask my nephew what Bleach or Naruto is, he'll know. But If I ask him what something like Hunter X Hunter is, he'd get confused.

TBH, I think if the anime was still around, Bleach would have higher ratings.

Finally! Hopefully One Piece and Bleach follow suit.

It ain't happening anytime soon for One Piece ... 

Sadly true.