I wish I had the OP's optimism.

The current server/engine structure can not support fast paced, responsive battles. Everything feels slow because everything is FUNDAMENTALLY slow. The current engine nor servers are even made for this sort of combat.

You can cry all you want about it but the core is just not in place to do anything fun with the new systems. The new structure is coming as fast as possible, until then deal with it or wait by the sidelines.

I find myself having more downtime because there are no "free" attacks to strategically gain TP.
Oh man, so strategic!