I don't get why KLK gets a pass for being mind numbingly stupid but SAO is raked under the coals. Is it because the latter tends to take itself more seriously? Maybe, but KLK has these weird moments where it will go into super serious mode even though the majority of the show is meant to be humorous. I think both shows are dumb and fall in the below average tier tbh.
discuss.
It's all in the execution. KLK never really took itself seriously (which is where I can get where people come from when they feel the show is asking you to take things seriously), whereas SAO has tried to pass off its story as super-serious, and it's not good.
It's kinda like the new Mission: Impossible and Mission: Impossible 2. There are both popcorn flicks, but the former just kinda nods and winks and understands what it is, whereas M:I 2 is a bit too full of itself (Woo almost goes self-parody at times).
If you don't think KLK's technique works, then I don't think you're going to like the show. I liked the characters, didn't take anything too seriously (even the alleged serious parts) and just went along for the ride.