Well, there was Mickey's Birthday Land. I think this is at least better than that, and arguably a similar demographic. Personally, I'd feel a helluvalot better about TSL if they were building it along with SWL and a large-scale Pixar land (Cars or Monstropolis). What they are doing in DHS, taken in isolation, is still ambitious, just not the "rebirth" envisioned.
I know some dismiss TSL as a kiddy land but I personally think it will easily appeal to adults as well. Toy Story is 20 years old, lots of people grew up with it. The two rides we're getting are a heck of a lot better than some in Bugs Land and a lot more appealing than some other kiddy attractions they could have stuck us with. It's not like Mater's says "kids only" we're getting the same attraction. Slinky Dog is a short launch coaster, it's not exactly Barnstormer. Is it a good use of the land? No. Do I love the exposed coaster? Not really. I know some will always think the land is cheap and lazy and it does lack ambition but I think it's a bit better than being given credit.
But like you, I think it would get a little less criticism if they were doing more with other Pixar properties like both Cars and Monstropolis. The problem really is these two rides we're getting aren't going to appeal to everyone but they will be fun. The park needed family rides. And I'd say they gave us two that can also appeal to adults.
I can't believe I'm slightly defending the land but I think the criticism isn't necessarily fair towards it (not saying yours, just in general and using your quote as a jumping point). Again, that's IMHO.
I would hands down agree with the criticism if we were getting the Slinky Dog that goes nowhere, the RC Racer attraction with poor capacity, the parachute drop, bumper cars, another spinner but to me they picked two decent rides to flesh out the park. To me, it could have been far worse.
I'm not happy they cut some of the theming in an already bare bones land, that they cut the Woody's Roundup area ... I know the plastic-ness of the land isn't super appealing but I think the land will have two fun rides. But the problem is the park needs more so people are laser focused on these two.
EDIT: Sorry for rambling and jumping around a bit. Long day and I'm tired LOL