I definitely think the game play is good, even if there are a lot of other problems. It's probably my second favorite SF after A3. I just really like how the game feels. I enjoy that it's less combo heavy, and that execution is easier. I like how attacks feel more deliberate, like there's more heft to them, which I think is a result of both the animations and the higher damage output. I like that the pace of the game play is slower than a lot of games, but because of the high damage output actual matches are relatively quick. I like that the game is read heavy rather than reaction heavy, though that's entirely a personal preference and I don't think it really makes the game 'good' or 'bad'. I enjoy the fact that there is a decent amount of variety in the roster, and while a few are clearly top tier, a large number of characters are at least viable, especially at non-professional levels of play.
As far as Season 2 is concerned, I still love the game, though there's a couple changes I'm mixed on. I think the grey life nerf was a bit extreme, though I don't actually mind it too much. I think the meterless reversal change is being blown HUGELY out of proportion by some people, especially considering it only affected 4 out of the 23 characters currently in the game. I think the nerfs to Nash, FANG, and Alex were either unnecessary or at least a bit too heavy handed. I'm also of mixed feelings about the rest of Season 2 being brand new, but I think that's just because I'm a big fan of a lot of classic characters that I want in the game. I am actually excited to see who or what they add.
None of this means that other people aren't allowed to dislike it though. I think there's a big difference between a game being objectively bad and disliking how it plays. I can easily see how somebody could dislike a ton of gameplay related stuff, especially if they prefer more reactionary or more defensive gameplay,but I don't think that has anything to do with the actaul objective quality of the game mechanics. I can't stand GGXrd for a ton of reasons, but I would never consider it a bad game. It's just not the type of game I'm into. It's ok for people, even professional players, to feel the same way.