I Def like the OP.

It is true. LBP has been getting alot of negative hype becuase the competition is scared. At least that is what I believe. And The game is innovative. Name me one game that does the following and does it well....
-Allow you to do this level of customization on a console
-Design ur own character completely to ur liking(sackboy format)
-Give you an unlimited amount of tools to mold and shape a level as you see fit.
-Play and share levels that you have created
-Smack your friend and foe alike in a very humerous manner
-Fully utilize a strong physics engine in your own levels
-Allow people with the greatest skill to actually sell their levels online

The only game that I can even think of being slightly similar is SPORE, and it still falls short of this hidden gem.

The bitter war of man versus bee provokes a lot of discussion too but that's because this is the internet.  Anything can provoke discussion.

To the OP: I'll explain why I as a developer, feelthat this game will not live up to its hype.
1- Audience. Yes, you reference this as a common argument, and it is perfectly valid. LBP has a target audience for the younger gamer crowd, under 11, the pokemon type crowd. The PS3 however has a main audience that ranges from high school to college kids. A Nintendo counterpart would be Pikmin to Zelda. What do you think a college kid is going to buy first?

2-Design plan. This above all else terrifies me about this game. They are using the "Leftovers for Dinner" approach. Leave everything open ended for character modification, rely on user-generated material to enhance the game. Not everyone is an artist nor wants to attempt to be one. I have a feeling that there are going to be some dramatic holes in this design.

3-Pickpocketing the poor. LBP is trying to pull a more casual audience to the PS3 for the holidays, but the system is still too expensive. With the way the US economy is this year, Christmas this year will be on a very tight budget for a lot of people. It's more a matter of poor timing than the game itself, but will affect it nonetheless.

Just wait till you guys play it. If there is an event in your area, go play it!! You'll seriously be jaw dropped while you play it. If its not the "most innovative thing" ever.

The one thing I kept saying to myself as I was playing it was:

"I never even thought of that! Holy Crap thats so clever!"

I agree. I hate using the term Xbots, but I'll say, "Console" warriors are upset that their platform won't get the game.  With most games being equal on both ends, it all depends on you.

Now saying Spore falls short of LBP is going to get a lot of criticism... cause... come on. Really? Spore is so more innovative and will definitly outsell LBP.  I mean, there was a thread on here that the 10 dollar creature creator sold over 2 million.

Still that's like comparing Gold to Platnium. Just because Platnium is better it doesn't mean gold sucks.

Others have expressed similar sentiments in the past, like IGN:

BTW if you guys want me to take pictures at PAX from the game, I'll be more than happy to start an official thread.

That'd be pretty cool actually.