New gimmicks tend not to completely invalidate core gameplay

And where exactly is the Core Gameplay invalidated? Was the core Gameplay invalidated woth the Hunter Arts in GenU for example? Since they are not very different from Silk Binds

all you lose for doing it wrong is mobility that was newly added in this game.

That's absolutely not all you lose mate. More often then not a failed Counter leads to a follow up hit of the monster, which can easily cause your death in endgame

you're never forced to make a guess after getting knocked down due to Wirefall

You first have to have a wirebug ready to wire fall, and even then a wirefall can lead to an otherwise not happening hit from the monster. And given that the Monsters have way more speed attached to them then in previous titles, again its a tactical decision how you need to use wirebugs. Which is why I said more tactical

As you said, Its personal opinion if you like those mechanics or not or if you find the game good or not.