It's the same as any web-based change. People don't like it because they're not used to it. In a month, people will adapt and not care. And probably won't remember how it used to look.
I still don't like the new layout, but I do like that it is easier to view video on my iPhone. I would always used to get a warning that I needed Flash Player installed but that no longer seems to be the case.
I can NOT get my favorites to stay in place. They keep removing all the teams I add and replacing everything with "suggestions" based on my location. GRRRRRRRRR
Just noticed ESPN has enable video auto play. Viewing the Cowboys blog and hear audio and scroll down to see a video playing with no option of stopping it. Only able to mute the sound.