Completely agree with you on Matt Smith. I hated him at first, but I think I just wanted more Tennant. After clearing my head and going back in, he’s now my Doctor.
(Although I disagree with you on last season. It didn't feel like traditional Doctor Who, but I really liked the direction, and although Season 5 was much better end-to-end, Season 6 had some of my favorite episodes.)
I wanted to hate him at first, he looked goofy, but he's a brilliant doctor and the second he said "bowties are cool" he became my favorite doctor thus far, though I find a way to love each one.
Season 6 just really felt like they said "Lets try and target our demographics." There was a lot less science, it was much more earth-centric, and the level of hand-waving was obscene.
The standalone episodes outshone the story arc episodes. Moffet seems to have realized this in planning for series 7. I for one am all for destroying the Doctor's magic wand, since it has become too powerful. A little more science and logic, and a lot less sci-fi and paradox magic would be nice.
(Although I disagree with you on last season. It didn't feel like traditional Doctor Who, but I really liked the direction, and although Season 5 was much better end-to-end, Season 6 had some of my favorite episodes.)