I very much agree - Hayden didn't do a horrible job - I don't think Marlon Brando could say shit like "I can't breathe. I'm haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart is beating... hoping that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, tormenting me... what can I do? I will do anything you ask. If you are suffering as much as I am, please tell me," and not look retarded.
As to the Machete Order though, I think it's a pretty good idea for repeat viewing (if you're willing to torment yourself with eps 2 and 3 that is), because it puts the story into a new perspective.