The problem is that people get hung up on numbers.
"These cars aren't faster than last year's cars!
"
"Lap times are much slower than 2004!
"
Then it becomes difficult to step back and say who cares about lap times, the racing is much better when you ditch all the aero doodads. I was watching some 07-08 races this week and the cars looked like strange little beetles. I was thinking "how could they ever let them get so ridiculous looking".
The cars this year would be fantastic if they had limited the front wings and barge board business more than they have. They definitely took a step in the right direction with the tires and mechanical grip, but they need to address the aero issue.
Of course then Adrian and Dietrich will take their ball and go home...