What a lovely post, Trixie! I agree with you on all points, and I cannot understand why the game caught so much flack on "dated graphics" when the graphics, as far as I can tell, are spectacular. There are some anomalies, but they are more funny than anything else.
One of the things I thought was hilarious was the fact that the opponents would "mouth off" at you. When I first started playing the game in October, when I ran into my first group of Highland Rogues, I was laughing so hard at having a computerized jerk giving me lip that I didn't have time to notice that I wasn't "outnumbered!" I've been used to games like Might & Magic, Wizardry, Daggerfall, and others like it in which the opponents are silent...stand there and attack you without saying a word, like an automaton.
I personally hated Shurugeon Castle, although I liked the design...those puke green walls drove me NUTS. It was like a European Castle, though, with a barbican, chapel, bailey, barracks, great hall...yep, it had everything.
I for one loved the Stout Mines; again, I don't know why they get so much flack. I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one who got a kick out of the "thrill ride" aspect of it!
The game has so many good points, that the minor bad points are mere trifles, in my book. I guess you have to really get into it to appreciate it.
Thanks for a great post and a wonderful positive viewpoint!
-Sazerac