So, if I read you correctly, you gave it 4 out of 5 stars then? ;)
I agree, sadly. Loved it when it was new and I was very young, but now watching it, it kinda sucks. Like you said, it's much better as simply a TNG movie, and it piques my interest in "Kirk-less" Generations at FE.org. On the other hand, it's the only time we ever see the Enterprise-B, so it's a shame to lose that stuff.