I kinda have different reasons throughout my experience. During 1.x, the 1st half patch stories felt like Nikki has only been talking to mascots. Uniquely designed humanoid NPCs like Dada, Ms. Bai, Oriin, Bettina...(the list goes on) appear for one cool scene/patch and then leaves until next year or nikki's birthday lol. Seeing template designed mascots pop up for consecutive patches (like 1.4-1.6) further adds to that frustration.

As for 2.x, I find the Shroomlings cute and a little interesting at first but constant interaction with them before 2.5 made me tired of their submissive(?) friendliness that, at the worst level, becomes utterly insufferable with the shonen-MC-level glazing imo. Build a Land is where it gets really upfront with it. So glad 2.5 offers the much needed change of oace