Your thoughts on the direction of this game?

[Appleh4x]

bad design isn't countered by "mandatory" preparation you have to do outside the game. it's just that: bad design that causes a lot of headaches for everyone.

I agree that it's bad design, but you're wrong about the prep. Watching videos/reading a guide is a very direct counter and does much to alleviate issues. Knowing the gimmick mechanics doesn't make the fights any less fun or interesting, if anything it makes them less terrible.