FFXIV - was released way to early as well, with a total lack of content / server issues / clunky controls and faced similar backlash from its community. While its graphics and music were praised, that was about all that was a positive. Later, the development team was replaced and a few years later, came about FFXIV:ARR, which is now a decent success for Square Enix, and is strong community wise.
Rare it seems is facing similar backlash and while adding in more rushed content might be a temporary band-aid, the bad taste is left in a lot of the player base. Personally, I wouldn't see this as a defeat for Rare to concider this position, chalking this up as a learning curve, and taking a higher ground to fix a product that amuses some of the player base, the majority has spoken of what the issues are and are 'broken'.
I look at Rare Ltd home page - and read what they value (link) - not sure a lot of the community feels that LOVE.
End of the day, it is what it is.
