If by 'geeked up' you mean the additional primary stats, that wasn't due to the cult following. Actually, I preferred the additional stats, as you actually had to think about how you were going to distribute stat points. Also, you could have a little variety in character builds and customize them to your own playing style, weapon choice, etc; in DD pretty much every warrior had a 2/2/1 stat point distribution for strength/agility/constitution.
I liked some of the changes with the skill system, though would have designed some of the skills differently. Again, though, this wasn't changed due to forum feedback or suggestions, AFAIR.
Actually, I think the only 'cult following' negative influence in BD was with the voices. A group of people didn't like the voice acting in the demo, and complained often and loudly, so Larian had them redone. When the game was released a different group (most of whom were previously silent on the subject) complained loudly that the original voices were better.
