Story was not so great, but can still go in a great direction.

Map designs are the best they have ever been for me.

Combat has been exciting for me, and I have loved every second of playing Viper.

I think a rough launch is fine, but what ultimately matters is the rest of the expansion. They could have the best story in the universe, but none of this matters if people aren't given an excuse to invest in the game long-term, and it is the future content, both higher difficulties and side-content such as exploration which will really give the staying power, and IMO it is on this that the expansion should be judged.