I get what your saying Stu.
You would like to see new things made to Mario. Maybe a better story line, or a different world etc. Mountains and Icelands and stuff.
The thing is with Mario is that all it's been about is simple fun. I actually played SMS last night, and am still amazed at this game.
I don't think Nintendo would try something that
could backfire on them hence media would make an ever bigger mock of them (e.g. Nintendo TRIES to go mature with Mario, but blabla).
Mario still works for what it is. It's not about storyline, or major upgrades, or violence, it's about fun at its purest. And I think SMS has done that, and then some.
I'll be expecting these types of Mario games for years to come, and looking forward to playing them immensly.
So to answer your question, when I played SMS I didn't expect more. It's pretty much exactly what I wanted and more. The roller coaster ride was sick. The worlds were awesome. The water effects have been unmatched, and it's one of my favourite games this generation I have played without doubt.
I've enjoyed my GC games, my Ps2 games, but to be honest I expected more from the Xbox games. The only exclusive games I've enjoyed playing is Halo. But when Halo2/Fable and others come, I'm hoping to say better things about it.
And Super Mario Sunshine also got 9.4 on IGN.
http://cube.ign.com/articles/368/368539p1.html