Get rid of combos, build + spenders and downsides and POE2 might get really good.

What I always find missing in this never ending discussion is that the combat speed needs to relate to goal of the game. It's great to have intricate and complex combat when that goal is within reach in a reasonable amount of time. That's why a soulslike does not have giant maps with thousands of enemies. It concentrates on less enemies with more varied mechanics on which you will spend more time.

PoE2 currently still is on the other side of the spectrum, it has very large maps with a very large number of enemies. That doesn't translate to that type of combat. Comboing hundreds or thousands of enemies will tire you out before you reach any goal, whatever that is.

I think GGG is still looking for some solution inbetween the extremes, which is well visible with the change to 'smaller packs with better stats'. We'll see how this turns out and at what point they feel okay with their place on the spectrum. It's not going to be 100% zoom-zoom, and it's also not going to be soulslike ...


P.S.: I also generally dislike the generator/spender system because it usually results in the generator feeling unrewarding to use. So far, I've only seen that solved in 'The Secret World' in which many (not all) generators were fun enough to use.