ouch. actually here's an antagonistic response, those reasons why you dont like this series, is the exact opposite of why i enjoy the series. i think the characters have great depth and are likeable and the story grows with each passing trade. i highly suggest you(or anyone not into the series) give it another shot, as i reread the series a few months back, this time around i read the prologue and kirkman said that you will not be able to recognize these characters anymore reading back. when i looked on the first page, rick was definitely not the same rick that is in the books today, he has evolved, (and devolved through needs of survival) into a compelling character(as well as the story).
its funny, how i wasnt at all antagonistic of your view, because had i been, i would have said "you're wrong." but now you couldnt be even more so.
the best way for me to read this series is by trade. i have them up to the most recent one, and they display very nicely on the shelf, they have a long image of zombies on the spine, and it helps with my impatience for the next issue.