TBH i mostly agree with the OP, it was released too early even on the test server. I know the pressure was on, but all the focus and expectation was on a combat system fix not to begin over. When people moved onto QA and were left floundering it actually engendered a negative reaction we are still seeing now.
Partly of unreasonable expectation and partly dissapointment at the loss of the familiar the biggest challenge now is getting enough enthusiasm in people to even give it a try. This is why I am keen to encourage changes which drag it back to a point where familiarity can be rekindled, I honestly think that is the most important and urgent achievement we who do visit the QA can make for CR2.0 atm......get it to the point it can sell itself then get people back.