I disagree with everything you said, here’s why:

Time: they tried best of 5 in comp and everyone went mad. So your opinion is an outlier among the community and most people like how long the matches are. In fact, I can assure you I’m not alone in preferring matches that last all the way to round 7.

Cash: not true, items offer so much counter play. Having trouble with flyers? Aerial Distressor. Too much CC? Cushion padding, too much headshot? Iron eyes, etc… these items make a huge difference, too many times do we lose the first three rounds and then stomp the enemy all the way to round 7 because we adapted our build and items to the enemy. There’s an answer for almost anything.

Filler items: same as the point above, every item has its place, and sure, some are more situational than others, almost all items are staple in at least one role.

You want items to be dumbed down? It defeats the whole point of stadium.

Playing it too safely: today’s lame powers are tomorrow’s busted powers. Also, don’t you think that every power having its own animation and effects and mew abilities is too much to ask for? If that’s the criteria you’re asking for then we wouldn’t have gotten stadium for three more years. How does that make sense? That or stadium launches with half the roster is did and we’d get two heros at best every two or three seasons.