It's been freezing in my office since forever. I've run the heater all year long, and now it is even worse. I wore four layers yesterday, including two sweaters and hoodie.
I agree with you both. Everything you listed as good is what I enjoyed. I do not care about Desmond's story at all. The whole outside-the-animus storyline is so dry and mundane. It was a little more interesting in AC3 than before since there was some actual movement with Desmond, but overall, I just play straight through. I also wished in AC3 that there was more time to play as Connor as a child. That would have been interesting. To have him travel into one of the towns with his mother. Really enjoyed Achilles.
I liked some of the side challenges, like the board games. I liked the main character as well. Yes, you're right, it did drag on, but even with that the necessary missions seemed really easy and short.