I think in a lot of people's minds, they think they are helping by saying "this isn't the way it's meant to be, it's meant to be like this", but it never works. You only have to see other fandoms (naming no names) to see that what initially appears to be criticsm on the grounds of trying to make something better turns into a demand for something *they* want.
When you get down that road; when you make something to please the fanbase because you're afraid of the backlash- then that's the point you lose control. I'm still in the first part of the game, so I don't know what's in store for me, but (maybe budget aside) if this is what Yu-san wanted, then that's what I want. I won't lie, I find some bits of the game incredibly tedious, but more often than not, I am smiling from ear to ear and feel blessed to be a part of this.
Ultimately, I think a lot of the negativity comes from outside sources. I'm stressed out with the political turmoil of my country, stress with friends, family, relationships, money, to the point I was sent home from work this week with a panic attack, but I try my best to be a good person and not to be angry. However, I see many people in a similar situation and their reaction is to be angry and to take it out on other people.
It's easier to be angry and destroy something than it is to be kind these days and that makes me so sad.
I don't know if Yu-san and his team read the comments, but I truly hope they are more thick skinned than I am.
I also find it strange that a huge part of the Shenmue charm is the warmth and kindness of the characters in the game. I think that's lost on many people. By all means, let's go for constructive criticism, but blindly attacking and hating on people is just not on. It's a fucking game at the end of the day. Granted, one that means the world to me, but it's still a game.
Sorry i'm rambling, i'm in a stream of consciousness mode.