Most of the changes were deeper architectural changes, such as 3rd party keyboards and new APIs. This will affect the OS much more than "closer to the surface" changes such as new features and UI tweaks.
In the long run it will be better for the user since 3rd party apps will be able to take advantage of the new APIs and have better integration and functionality. But user's won't see the benefits immediately.
I'm sure it's complicated and I'm sure that Tim Cook is ok with that answer but do you think Steve Jobs would have been ok with it? Apple didn't get to where it is with answers like that.