There is a lot that could be improved though: it could be even better.
I agree with most of what you say, having found one or the other as a RPG newbie myself.
But looking at the amount of complaints filed at Larian and steam forums, I can not really argue with the devs - YOU are way more creative than at least 90% of the visible (like writing here) players.
And some of your complaints are more a pro argument - despite having skipped tons of content you finished the game successfully. Good development job it seems.
Regards,
Thorsten