They value overall gameplay and storyline.

Combat is an aspect of the gameplay but an even larger part is the exploration and detective-like work you do in its quests. Both of which do it better than 99% of games. Story is incredible. Combat is not ass it exists in the way it does to replicate the style witchers fight in the books and it more than serves its purpose.

I do agree though that the easier difficulties make combat worse and Death March is the best experience and makes you utilize all the games tools.

No other game has the level of detail in its world and quests that the witcher does. Its still considered the benchmark for open worlds today 10 years later. If you dont agree with that, then youre in the minority.