There has been a cultural shift against criticism. Nowadays it is often viewed with skepticism rather than an open mind. To say a game is mediocre or worse is not something that is useful to the majority of modern board game media consumers. They are looking for attractive objects.
Quotes by Demetri Ballas
A pack of cards and a few friends have been responsible for some of my favorite game-related memories. The greatest trick that publishers ever pulled was convincing us that they could sell us that joy.