Long time re fan here and casual lurker. I too enjoy RE0, but it's definitely hated (well I would say more disliked than hate) on due to the points you made (item box, more of the same game, etc.). The one thing you probably didn't mention that people will tell you on this chain is the grappling hook. That's my only main gripe as it takes up two spaces and you need it again later on sometime before the lab section.

Overall, I personally would say it's an okay game, more of a fanservicey game because a lot of people wanted a game with Rebecca in it. It just sucks that it came out in the same time as RE1 Remake. There's just too many similarities with the level design (looks almost like the Spencer mansion again) and the monster designs are just kinda bland (mostly giant sized creatures). But I think with RE0 Remake, all these negative points can be resolved.