You need to compare to other games that came out recently.
In the age of 4k+ graphics, HD or lower is not enough for many people. For the game to attract more new players (especially younger people) graphics needs to be pretty and not look pixely old, 10 years forward.
With less limitations the devs also able to create more complicate designs, animations, cutscenes, etc.
The characters may not be perfect now but this is like a beta version, it's the first time they are doing this. All the problems that got addressed can still be fix, albeit all may not be on time for launch.
Unfortunately not everyone will be happy with this changes, but for the future of the game it is needed, yes. I personally believe we can get use to it in the end.