And I disagree with that. I will readily admit it's because I do not like shooters. Mass Effect 2 is an incredibly well done shooter. Possibly the best. Certainly my favorite. That said, I don't have any interest in playing as a soldier and I preferred the system in Mass Effect 1. I had more fun playing as a biotic in the first game than I do shooting things in the second. I liked that I could use my powers in that game as the primary weapon with my guns only being used when necessary.
When given the choice between the weird clunky RPG hybrid with poor shot detection, no area damage, and no cover system worth speaking of against the solid squad based shooter with some interesting powers, I'd choose the former. Even if it's not as well done, it's a system and style that I prefer. I never had a single problem with the combat in the first game. It could have been improved, but I can still go back and play it and enjoy myself. The second game does what it attempts better, but what it's attempting is not something I care about.