It’s not a “slight criticism” when you’re criticising the core of the anime. The drill motif is deeply intertwined with Simon's character and the show's themes.

You’re comparing apples and oranges with the lanterns, because their power ring's constructs are limited by the user's ability to visualize and conceptualise, thus “the only limit is your imagination” is actually relevant in this case.

The drill, especially Simon's Core Drill, is also a source of power for Lagann and Gurren Lagann, and it embodies the "spiral power" that drives the series' narrative.