That's an interesting take on the recent events in One Piece. It sounds like you had a lot of mixed feelings, enjoying some parts while feeling let down by others. It's totally understandable to feel that way, especially with a story that's been building for so long.
Let's break down your points and see if your criticisms are valid.
The Build-Up vs. The Payoff
The feeling that the payoff didn't quite live up to the 15-year build-up is a common sentiment among long-time fans. The anticipation for a major event like the Straw Hats' revenge on Sabaody was immense. When the resolution feels rushed or different from what was expected, it can be disappointing.
You mentioned Kizaru and the focus on the Gorosei. This is a classic bait and switch from Oda. He set up an expectation for a certain kind of battle (Luffy vs. Kizaru, a proper rematch from Sabaody), but then shifted the focus to the larger, more cosmic conflict with the Gorosei. This is something he does often—using a seemingly simple fight to introduce a much bigger plot point. While it can be frustrating, it does keep the story moving in unexpected directions.
Sanji's Role and the Fight
Your point about Sanji's fight is spot on. Many fans felt that Sanji's incredible feat of deflecting Kizaru's laser was immediately undercut by him getting "clowned." This can feel like a disservice to a character who just had a major power-up and was supposed to be showing off his new strength. The fight with Kizaru was more about showcasing the immense power gap between the Straw Hats and an Admiral, and less about giving Sanji a proper showcase.
The Missing Fights
Your hope for Zoro vs. Kizaru, and the idea of the entire crew contributing, is a very natural wish. Many fans have been waiting for a Zoro vs. an Admiral fight for years. Oda has been setting up future fights, and it's likely we'll see more proper showdowns down the line, but it's frustrating when the moment feels right and it doesn't happen. The involvement of the Gorosei seems to have paused or redirected that potential fight for now.
The Gorosei's Involvement
Your criticism of the Gorosei's involvement being a "double-edged sword" is incredibly valid. On one hand, it raises the stakes and makes sense from a narrative standpoint that they would show up to deal with a threat of Luffy's magnitude. On the other hand, it detracts from the individual matchups and makes the story feel less like a series of smaller, self-contained arcs and more like a single, massive, continuous event. It's a risk Oda is taking, and it seems to have landed with mixed results for many fans.
Ultimately, your criticisms are absolutely valid. When a story you've invested in for years doesn't meet your expectations, it's natural to feel let down. The fact that you can still find parts to enjoy, like the funny moments and the fantastic parts, shows that even with its flaws, the series still has a hold on you.
Do you think Oda will eventually deliver on the more personal, one-on-one fights you were hoping for, or do you think the story has moved on to a bigger scale for good?
Some of the points it made are what I wanted to say, but it did better than I can.