I don't think we can really blame BIioware for the release if EA is the one who pushed it out. I won't say I know why Bioware allowed EA to acquire them, but, I'm sure it had to do with money as all these things always boil down to that. So if you're pointing fingers, do so at EA.
In regards to the 20hrs in the Hinterlands...a big aspect of most RPG's is the ability to explore your environment. They did say the game was huge so if you don't like exploration then it really isn't a game for you.
So, they make Dragon Age 2 with streamlined areas and little exploration so you can proceed through the story at a much faster pace and people hate it.
They take the feedback and create open areas with a lot of things to do that are not always related to the main story and people hate it. I guess I can see why Bioware would want the support of a big time publisher, because if it was up to their indecisive fans they'd have gone bankrupt ten times over now.
