The jump/glide mechanic feels so rewarding when you manage to get a good glide, if you can go off a jump pad and glide just above a downward sloped block you can get some real speed and really makes you feel rewarded for using the glide, and you can continue to sprint the momentum from it when you land since its on the same button, its very simple to learn but very tough and rewarding to master.
Anyone who says it makes it 'crap' needs to get used to how different games feel, just because it isnt like -x favourite game here- dosent mean it is crap, its about it standing out from other games and this mechanic makes helps it do so, all the while still remaning to be an awesome addition and providing an extra layer to a stretegic gameplay perspective.