Interface and mechanics are important too, though. I like the interface in BG3, but the party control mechanics are frankly terrible. In BG2 I could move my party around without any bigger issues, and I could easily switch between controlled characters. In BG3 not only we don't have party formations, having to chain/unchain characters just to navigate maps adds to unnecessary micromanagement.
I didn't say that mechanics BG3 are perfect, I said it's OK if it differs from the mechanics BG2.
Just like you, I think that many things need to be changed. For example, I hate jumping and I also want party formations and other things. But these mechanics (like party formations) was not only in BG or BG2. I say "we need changes, these mechanics are inconvenient", but I don't say "we need what was in BG2!" because I don't think this is quite correct.
I just think lore, characters, and events more important when you compare one game in a series with another. Many games have similar mechanics this is not something unique. So when someone says "this game is not like the previous one!" I think they're talking about lore or atmosphere or other things like this, not about menu and font...
