Yes, you can always load a new rom, but development is always bigger on a Nexus device plus the roms are more stable due to not needing to reverse engineer drivers/binaries. Having the smaller screen is actually a plus for me considering I wanted it to stay at 4.7 inches (small hands). I do agree having a nerfed battery and camera is unfortunate, but as long as the camera is satisfactory I'll be ok. If I need to use a camera for good pictures, I'll use a real one.
But yeah, everyone has a different priorities list. I'm glad so many people like the G2 and it's serving them well.