Amazing how the act of 'unlocking' things can change your perspective on something. Gotta say, I came away today feeling much better about the base game of SFV. No, its got a long way to go. But it was nice booting up the game, tackling the story prologue for Alex, doing his trials, tackling his survival mode. Then going to the store to use some of my FM.
They got a long ways to go, obviously. But I feel like they're finally on the right track. Keep in mind, this is all for the 'base' game. I've already attested the gameplay here is some of the best the genre has ever offered.