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No. Just no. First of all, most of those 'glaring flaws' are nitpicks, gross exaggerations, or just plain dumb. The only complaints that I feel as remotely valid (you know, as someone who's played the game) is the out-of-combat movement, which is imprecise. My experience with the actual combat had been really smooth, once I learned it (which is true for every Witcher game), the animations flow nicely together, and the new dodge makes you way more nimble, able to dodge out of blows, even while you're doing something else. I've never once felt 'trapped' by the animations. As for the loading times, again it might be console, but on PC it's quick, if you skip the narration (using an SSD); which is surprising, considering there is not a single loading screen to be found anywhere, and I've only seen the 'cut to black' in one conversation. Finally, as for the lore, I've only played Witcher 2, never read the books, and I've had no trouble understanding the lore. Sure, there are some references to things I haven't heard of, but that's to be expected from any franchise with that much lore behind it, and the game does a brilliant job of immersing you in the world, despite that.
I could go on about that click-bait article. I needn't say anything about the other article, since it's from Polygon, who have already stated their biases. Frankly, I would suggest that; before you go on a rant about how terrible this game is, based off two negative articles of dubious repute; you actually play the game first. If you don't want to but the game, fine, it's your own choice, but don't go off spouting bullshit without knowing what you're talking about. As someone who does, I can say that I am greatly enjoying this game, for reasons like the ones I have stated earlier. The tits and arse are completely optional, and it has by far some of the most mature storytelling I've seen, both in gaming and in literature, that goes far beyond just swears, gore, and fanservice.
About the dark ages, it depends on where you're at, and when exactly. Nothing is comparable to today, of course, but women generally had more rights than it is popularly believed, especially in Scandiniavia. They didn't inherit titles, but they did hold a lot of sway in the household, and had quite a lot of power, in their own way. Generally speaking, they weren't abused, and though marriages were usually arranged, it was generally a good idea that both parties actually liked eachother, especially among the commonfolk, and the high birthrates were due to the large infant mortality rate more than anything, something which can also be seen in modern Africa. In war, of course, all bets were off, and you get what happens in the game. It's a pretty complex subject, and it's hard to say that they were treated horribly, but rather differently. The culture and values then are far removed from our own, practically alien, and we can't really see things from their perspective. Back on topic, I'd say the way they're treated in the Witcher is rather believable; neither horrible nor idyllic, just different, and mired in the usual horrors of war.