The problem is Astro, in good themed experiences, you shouldn't be able to just list off elements of themeing. The ride should be intricate enough that themeing isn't just a set piece moment in the middle of an otherwise under-themed attraction. But even so, you are right in that Wodan probably is the best the themed woody in the world, and yet it still is not enough as the track still dominates the eye.
CGM - Well I am a fan of Alton, but only because I'm a fan of well constructed immersive live entertainment. Whether that take roller coaster form, dark-ride form, scare-maze form, performance art, etc... So for example, I think that Nemesis Sub-Terra is probably the best ride added to the park since Hex. Also I don't see the 'mystery' in a coaster that goes between trees.... Mystery can be given to a coaster through themeatic/narrative contribution, but a coaster itself is not mysterious. We know what it is... It's a rollercoaster.
I think whether Alton's recent coaster contributions are immerse are debatable. I think the Smiler comes close, the exterior of the building is noticeably cheap which does somewhat remove you from the experience, but despite having been critical of the Smiler's themeing during construction, after riding it in October, I think it actually works really well. It's only problems is the way too featureless concrete landscape. It's almost got it perfect but falls just short. The Smiler ride wouldn't work with most other themes because there is so much visual emphasis on the track, but the chosen theme of a brainwashing machine works because it makes the track part of the narrative. Oblivion and Nemesis also acknowledge the track in their fantasy reality and therefore also don't suffer that problem.
13 almost works but falls short because it is surrounded by an area that is too loud and abrasive (largely due to that hateful ride, Rita). It also has the problem of it implying there is some greater narrative and then refuses to communicate it. Then there is Rita and Spinball which have next to no themeing and are the worst culprits, and abjectly fail to immerse anyone into a alternate.
Personally, any ride that doesn't have a theme, doesn't interest me. It stops being about creative fantasy, and has nothing to offer in the terms of drama. I get why people might still enjoy them for the physical sensation but with no psychological/artistic dimension, you are limiting a ride's scope for entertainment. Ask anyone whether they'd rather ride on a rollercoaster or go on an exciting ride experience around a hostile alien with near misses with rivers of blood... Most thrill-seekers would still pick the latter.
I wouldn't turn down a woody for the likes of Rita or Thirteen... I would have turned them all down for a ride experience that genuinely takes me on a journey. Preferably with pre-shows and post-shows, and actors. That is the future for Theme Parks, experiences that break down your rational barriers so that you are in a mental state where your disbelief is not necessarily broken but shaken when you get to the physical ride.
And yes a lot of Steel coasters do not explain their track, but steel coasters can be far less dominating to your senses so you are much more able to suspend disbelief and be absorbed by the themed landscape (although only to a certain degree, I accept nobody fully inhabits the fantasy world).
And who am I making apologise? I'm just saying some rides do not lend themselves to immersive experiences and others do. I entirely disagree with you that coasters are an unsuitable medium but I don't think there's much more to be said on the subject other than me saying "YES IT IS" vs. you saying "NO IT ISN'T".
BigAl - I've not heard of Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain or seen plans for the U:IOA plans for the Jurassic Park coaster. I'm happy to be proved wrong, but I expect a great deal more investment was/will be put in these rides than Alton would put into a woody.
I disagree that it pointless to heavily theme a ride like Wodan. Even if you don't see every detail, the fact that it would be closer to removing people from their reality for the duration of the ride would make it entirely worthwhile.