they're trying to introduce too many elements outside of the main storyline too early

most definitely. i understand that there's a bit of a necessity in making it exciting and confusing, to draw in an audience, and i think that if it were done by anyone other than whedon, i would have lost interest after the first episode. if i had even started watching. but i have faith in his brilliance, and ill stick it out even if it stays crap the whole time.