That seems to be a common problem with people going back and watching classic films. They look at it and say, "What's so special about this film?" Sometimes, you need the context of the times to fully enjoy some of these film.
Jason
It also means that not everyone hates it either. Really, I've never heard the mono mix, and nothing stands out as odd to me. Course, I don't have years of hearing the original mix.
Jason
Mr. Harris already explained it in another thread: It is what the studio wanted for a rerelease with a modern audience, and they tried to keep things as in line with the original soundtrack as much as possible.
In the DVD Savant's review, he didn't really have a problem with it.
Jason