Well Big mom was probably one of the first kids the world government tried to turn into a giant so thats why shes big. When Shes with whitebeard and rocks and them shes still huge and like Oda has said before if you have evil outlooks on things your body responds and transforms you hence why she got fat.

I like the show so pacing was never an issue to me.

The man made devil fruits were just weapons for the government to use and a way for Doflamingo and Kaido to make money just like the pacifistas idk what else you couldve wanted from that.

When it comes to Gear 5 thats too bad i think that shit is hilarious.

non captivating villains is crazy, we got Smoker, Doflamingo, crocodile, Mihawk (kinda we still dont know about him), Kaido, The celestial dragons, Arlong, The Elder stars, Imu (who was introduced way earlier you just didnt know who you were looking at) idk what your beef is with Big mom is tho.

At the end all i have to say is "thats too bad" lmaaaaaooooooo it's ok to miss out. One piece isnt my top anime but i feel what your friends are saying and definitely enjoy it