I'm not sure I agree with the conclusions - or some of the premises. The maps in ME2 weren't really any bigger than the ME3 ones. ME2 didn't have a larger party system, they just had more characters to choose from. The weapon configuration was improved significantly in ME3. Quite a few of the features they removed ended up improving the play experience - hacking and bypassing in ME2 are tedious but not difficult. Harvesting materials to fund weapon/armour upgrades was one of the most complained about features in ME2.
Really, if it weren't for the horrible ending(s) (and to some degree the annoying "do everything" control system), I'd have ranked ME3 above ME2. ME1 is still probably the best, although its flaws are noteworthy too - recycled buildings, way too many weapons, horrible game balance, etc.
I would agree that they worked too hard on dramatic cutscenes, or, spent too much time with them. I didn't give a damn about the stupid kid, and being forced to "chase" him in dreams was pointless. And I'm never a fan of having the player fight someone in game, and then "force" a loss (seriously, come on, I was easily kicking Kai Leng's ass).