I'm not saying I'd love to go back to my 8-bit days, but I'd much rather have the memory be used on gameplay and physics.

On that point I do agree with you. Graphics are a long second to gameplay. I would much rather the game perform and play well than see individual sweat droplets dripping down someone's head.

I don't pay attention to the faces of players, my attention is on release point and trying to time up pitches. If I paid more attention to detail of the faces I wouldn't be able hit anything. Never understood the anger about graphics. Better the graphics the better the chances for more lag. Then those people will be complaining about that.