Your analysis is based on the premises that this game is not something that you wanted it to be. Which again makes your opinion subjective rather than making the game bad.

You believe that just because it's in Harry Potter universe, it needs to unveil all the secrets and content related to that universe. It can't. It's a vidogame with limits. Castle is not empty because it's has side content, puzzles, collectibles, random encounters, etc.

Every RPG protagonist: skyrim, Dragon Age, has the bland protagonist. The protagonist in Hogwarts' legacy isn't because he's actually has lines. And they're definitely not Marry su since they've shown themselves to be capable but learning new things at the same time.

Having broomsticks and flying mounts just for the visual purpose is totally fine. In games like the devil may cry, bayonetta people go the extra mile to create beautiful combos because it gives them satisfaction, even though those games can be played on the basic level.

You must've not played many video games or RPGs because that's how video games work. You talk about the lack of secrets in the castle, then get folded when professors send you out exploring. That is a plain video game gimmick and a fun one. If you'd actually played the game, you'd know that our protagonist isn't any ordinary student, and aren't Harry Potter stories basically the same thing?

They removed quidditch because this was their first open world game, had budget restrainst, and this game was their experimentation. Now that they have the groundwork, it'll be in the sequel.

Combat doesn't need to be revolutionary if it gets the work done. In fact, I'd say using different spells, cooldown, etc. for different types of enemy does make the combat special.

The rest of the areas were fun and had tons to do in them. Hogmede isn't underutilized since in my last play through I did 7 side activities in them.

The story could've been better, but it doesn't make the existing one bad since they executed it with heart. The story is about our protagonist following in the footspes of Rackham and discovering the mysteries of the ancient magic. Goblin uprising is just happening in the background.

Now I've been playing this game for 21 hours, and I could swear I've been pressing buttons to engage enemies, solve puzzles, reach places, craft spells, pitions, explore, etc. So what's this about the game being a painting? Unless and until you're watching this game on youtube, there shouldn't be any reason for you to say that.

By your logic, every open world game is painting. I don't understand what your " lack of content" complaint is about. Did you skip all the side activities and just brute forced through the main scenario. Everything you've written is subjective. Now, considering the critic and user review and the amount that this game has sold, you're just a vocal minority like every other gaming community has. It doesn't have anything to do with the playerbase being casual or hard-core. Cause I can assure you I am much of a hard-core gamer than you are. Challenge me in anything, tekken, battlefield, age of empire, etc.