-Most people didn't play much Skolas, but that encounter was brilliant for allowing salvageable runs while still challenging the player. Templar is the only comparable boss. The 4 sync plates are a serious problem on Daughters-Oryx since it locks 4 (technically 3) people onto a very small piece of geometry.
-I agree about KF aesthetics, it looks and plays extremely well on first impression.
-That basic structure of "mechanics phase" to create DPS window followed by "DPS phase" to kill the boss is ubiquitous in raids. Probably overused by now, another thing Skolas did well. They missed a great opportunity with Crota to throw six swords into a pit with other mechanics to juggle but a boss that could be damaged liberally.
Give the players fun toys and we'll do fun things with them. Tell us exactly what to do and when to do it and we'll get bored.