"I want to build a Druid who specializes in elemental skills and can wear such and such equipment."
But all things you mentioned are already contained in most RPG. Its even contained in some FPSs nowadays so its not some original or extraordinary stuff related to this genre. The fact is that RPGs offer this and more - deeper and more interesting world, much more interesting NPCs, dialogue, story, non-combat skills, deeper and more intricate quests etc. So Raze is basically right. A-RPGs usually lacks really significant or original substance compared to (good) RPGs.
Of course it doesnt mean all A-RPGs are bad or completely without a point. Some can be fun, some can be very fun, addictive or relaxing, but dont try to pretend they offer content of similar level as RPGs. Its not true.
while others bash The Witcher for being far too limiting with skills and equipment (completely missing the point of the game).
If they say so they completely missed the point of the game (not developers). Witcher is not any "standard-fare leveling" game with rich loot. It was meant to be game about Witcher and only Witcher (of course its some sort of limitation to present story of one predefined character) and so it is. Its not a game for everyone. If you are into "diablo stuff" or dont like Witcher character, you probably wont have much interest in this game.
