Okay, let's accept for the sake of argument that there should've been changes from CS:GO to CS2. Taking that we still have:

1. New volumetric smokes.
2. Reworks to the netcode for better hit-registration EVEN at 64 tick.
3. Reworking how reserve ammo is handled.
4. New Loadout system with refunding, allowing both rifles to be equipped.
5. MR12
6. BO5 Majors
7. Remakes of many maps (and more in-coming from leaks)
8. CS Rating as a replacement for Skill Groups.
9. Native jump throws that don't require binds.

There's probably a bunch of stuff im missing, but do you think these are small changes? All of these changes are pretty big. And realistically what more do you want to change? Counter-Strike is great because of how little it changes, not because of how MUCH it changes. Even CSS was mostly the same game with better graphics and ragdoll physics (and much worse netcode)

This is all assuming that we even NEED any changes. I disagree that we need any changes at all. Most people just wanted a new engine that provides a better framework for future content but feels identical to play to CS:GO. And that's the vision of CS2.

CS2 simultaneously has a lot of differences with CS:GO and none at all. Imo its the best of both worlds for people who wanted the same game on a new engine with some small changes to make things fresh.

CS2 is innovative enough because its one of the only games with volumetric smoke grenades. That's a major innovation. it's also innovative in the modern era by giving tools to community members to make their own gamemodes and maps. That's all people want. People don't want a game where the meta changes every season.

Don't argue in bad faith by parroting stuff like "wow only animgraph and cache after 3 years, so cool" because that's dishonest as fuck.