Agree you're a tough critic. Disney needs tough critics because the recent track record has been mixed.
Tinkering is an improvement, even if only incremental. Country Bears, as much I enjoy it, is an afterthought to most guests. Test Track has been a thumb in the eye to many fans so they're at least acknowledging out and making changes. Would agree that HBG doesn't move the needle and that there's been wayyyy to much attention for one added effect.
It doesn't matter if the "blue sky" projects are officially committed or not. Stuff is officially announced and pulled back all the time, like much of EPCOT. All I care about right now is confirmation that stuff is moving forward, and, imo, that was confirmed.