Before you start flaming, I haven't gotten too far into the game, but like you, I'm allowed my first impressions. First of all, there are some features which I like! The new forge tools and objects are awesome, as well as the graphics and some features. But for me, there is a heck of a lot wrong! 
 
Firstly, I love forge mode. However! They got rid of the push/pull object feature! Honestly, WTF? You couldn't screw up forge if you tried, and yet they have! Instead of pulling/pushing the object away from you, you now only can move the camera! What's the point of that? Secondly, the BMR! Worst weapon ever! In all the Halo games I've played, the BMR is the absolute WORST weapon I have used. The problem is the expanding crosshair. With the BR you could basically snipe people across the map with it *Burst, burst, burst*. Now, you have to wait for the crosshair to close again and long range battles just aren't the same! Instead of fast paced combat it's more, *Burst, wait, Burst, wait, Burst, wait, Burst, wait, Burst*. And that's if you actually manage to hit your target all those times. And i guess it's not really a burst any more since it's a single shot.
 
If it wasn't for the forge sh*t and expanding crosshair I think I wouldn't have as much of a problem with the game as I do, even with other minor problems such as over-powering jetpacks and lack of sufficient quitting penalties. So the game which is supposed to be my favourite for a while, is now my most frustrating. I might get used to it, but so far it is not anywhere near what I expected. Maybe once I play through more of the campaign and get used to the controls a bit better I'll warm up to it. 
 
Here's hoping. : (