Villain-Con is not a fun ride and it's not a good game. Truly the worst of both worlds. Simpsons has a great script but, yes, the ride system is well past its prime. I think Minion Mayhem is very sweet, but the ride system is just okay (in Hollywood — in Orlando it is diabolical).
I'll never understand the aversion to pre-shows. They're part of the ride. I'll never understand the mindset of "ugh, can we just hurry up and get to the part where I'm sitting down." It's like begging to skip the foyer and elevator at Haunted Mansion. If you're not also here for that, what are you here for?
But as I've said before, not every ride is meant to be experienced 100 times a year.