Ok, let's be honest here, it wouldn't be getting nearly as much hate if it was named something else. It has nothing to do with the price. People are just mad they spent $60 on something without doing proper research first -- assuming that because it's the next big FF installment, they have to buy it, almost as a tradition.
People like to act like it's just FFXIII, but it's with every single one that comes out. You can't post a deal on an FF game without half the thread filling up with hate first. I remember when XII came out people were in tears about how they wasted money on a game that "ruined" the turn-based battle system -- as if no one could notice what the game played like from the infinite amount of gameplay footage, trailers, and articles available on the net beforehand.
And it's funny because FFs get released in Japan like half a year before they reach here, so if there is any "fanbase" that has the information they need to know about a purchase, it would be FF "fans." Everyone knew XIII was linear, everyone knew there weren't any towns, everyone knew what the new combat was about -- and yet they bought it anyways for reasons beyond my imagination, and complained about those exact aspects.
FFXIII is a superb game with bold tastes. And yes, even though I loved it, I can say that exact same thing about games I hate as well. This community and every other gaming forum out there simply don't know how to recommend games to each other without shoving each others tastes down their throat first. And when it comes to popular titles, people of course get extra preachy.
Honestly, I'd love to have some real discussion on the design of this game, flaws and all -- instead of constantly trying snuff out ridiculous arguments for why it's the worst thing to happen to gaming.
Go to a thread about Star Ocean or Resonance of Fate and all of a sudden the RPG fans here become docile and understanding of the games they are playing -- but not FF! That game is a travesty.