That's what I like to hear!I was on that same 3.5 hate train before actually getting the chance to sit down and play it. After spending about 25hrs with the game I can straight up tell you that it is a full fledged sequel with a meaty single player campaign and a ton of extra open world and side stuff. It doesn't feel like dlc or a cash grab at all.
I'd love to hear more, but Volition/Deep Silver seems to be dragging their heels with approving your article :\