Honestly, that just sounds like an excuse for bad writing. There are science fiction authors who can do a good job at maintaining this balance. For me, Greg Egan just hasn't been one of them.
Yes, there are science fiction authors who do good characters. Lots of them, even.
However, I would ask you to consider how many of those stories take place in a literally different shape of space-time.
Not just lip service to vaguely handwaved "strange space-times" in the style of Lovecraft, either, but extensively realized alternate geometries that drive the story.
There's a reason you don't get all of these things at once. At least, I can't think of a story that hits all these points at once.
Btw, I'm not expecting you to change your mind about Egan's work. Even by the standards of science fiction, I'd consider him a niche taste. If he's not to yours, party on and enjoy what you want to. I'm just trying to explain his work.
