I really wonder if anyone who criticises Puyo Puyo Fever has even played it 2-player ...
It's by far the most balanced Puyo Puyo, which makes for far better battles. It also plays a lot faster. And Fever Mode gets rid of the only flaw in the game, which was that there used to be no way of stopping a huge attack. It was just drop the attack in portions, but you knew you were basically screwed and there was nothing you could do about it. Fever gives you a way out, and lets you turn the tables.
And yes the original cast are better, but the new cast aren't bad. Get over it!