The S2 hate is Not on point
When I watched it for the first time, it definitely felt lacking and left me wanting more, especially compared with season 1. however, it was still a very enjoyable ride.
Having rewatched both seasons again back to back without rose tinted glasses, I was able to spot more of season 1' shortcomings and they made season 2's shortcomings an easier pill to swallow.
There is still a gap in quality no doubt about it, but it is not proportional to the hate it has received. It was great Television, it was worthy of the title, and a large chunk of the hate is exaggerated and a result of it not being Season 1.