Personally I find baseless judgements and constant negativity as unhelpful as the next guy. I didnt follow any discussion on the ride before it had got most the way through construction either (I never do), so I guess I don't know how bad it got, but...
Pleeeease don't conflate baseless cynicism with people's genuinely low expectations, after years of disappointments, rushed & short term projects and non sensical marketing/management, for the sake of a witty post.
Merlin are quite right to be criticised for all the repeat and easily avoidable mistakes that have been made over the years, I don't see anything wrong with that.
Merlin needed to do something extra good to turn people's expectations around, the public's mainly, that was their whole ambition and job with this ride. The fact that the consensus on Wickerman changed ought to be testament to how they appear to have gone the extra mile – so I'm pleased for them.
I'm a vocal critic of the negatives about Merlin, but I'm looking forward to Wickerman because it has a lot of potential. The only disappointment I've had without riding it is the wasted opportunity with the layout, because of what could have been. But I'm sure it can still be really enjoyed for what it is, if it turns out to be good fun.
