Is everyone still disappointed with the series/arc? Personally, I think the last 5 or 6 manga have substantially advanced the series as a whole.

Naruto lost, Sasuke appears to have shed his past with the village, and new bonds have been unearthed between the two. Moreover, Kyubi is having a larger impact - we now have to consider his effect on Naruto's mental and physical state. Can he be contained?

Frankly, although the arc was (painfully) long, and somwhat gratuitous in parts, I don't think Kishomoto has disappointed. I personally feel a renewed interest in the series.