I find most gameplay mechanics and most of the controls to be really good. Brilliant even. They got 2D Metroid translated to 3D, really similar to how Super Mario 3D Land did the same thing with Mario.
Those mechanics deserve a better game built around it, though. The story and Samus characterization are the least of its problems. I'd take a sequel to Other M with better level design, power-ups, exploration and also better music. Then we'd have a great game, regardless of the story elements.
I do agree that the game, for all its faults, is undeservedly shit upon on the Internet. It did many things well and it's a fun action game that was innovative in its gameplay. People are so absorved by this supposed idea of how "Samus was ruined" and it warps the entire experience. I don't give a damn to what they did to that character, who was barely a character before anyway. And Metroid is my favorite series in gaming.