The first time I saw AOTC in the theatre, I didn't give the CG much thought. It was there, but I didn't dwell on it (though that might have been due to how my allergies were bothering the hell out of me). I actually enjoyed the vastness of the galactic territory covered, the sound of the seismic charges, Yoda going rabid with the lightsaber. I loved John Williams's score, as always.
Did it meet my expectations? Well, I don't exactly recall if I went in with any expectations, other than seeing Natalie Portman

. But it gave me two-hours of old-fashioned adventure, with, granted, an overuse of CGI. It entertained me, and it can still entertain me when I put the DVD in. In my opinion, it did it's job.
Is it better than the OT? Not to me, anyway. But I think that's also because of the nostalgia the classics hold for me, and I won't deny that that's a part of it, or that I feel somewhat sorry for the kids growing up today, who don't have our memories of ANH, ESB, and ROTJ. But, you know, if Jimbo likes AOTC best, then I can accept it. I don't have to agree with him, but I feel it's refreshing to have an opposing view on the forums, and I admire him for having the courage to stand up for AOTC, even though it isn't very popular.