Many fights in RL and in other games both are determined by the initial moments of battle. However, if you go in like it's a FPS all the time, charging headlong and swinging, don't be surprised if it comes down to who you drop first. Try thinking about the fights first.
Story is down to personal preference. I found it to be fine, though not on par with BG1. Then again, I've never cared for games at very high levels; and BG2 runs right into Epic-level DnD territory.
Both Imoen and Minsc had character-altering moments in the beginning of the game, explaining why they changed. Especially Imoen.
The loss of freedom was annoying, and probably why I prefer BG1 considerably over BG2. Tutu is a Godsend IMO, because BG2 had the vastly superior engine, and BG1 was IMO the best of the Infinity Engine games as far as story goes; with the possible exception of Planescape (which is at the least every bit BG1's equal.) IWD2 had the better mechanics, but not much can be as bad as 2E.
The romance thing is bad, but later games' not having a good romance option is because devs tack it on at the last second. It's the least developed, least funded aspect of games today. It was new an innovative at the time, and could have led to some more interactive and immersive role playing experiences. Instead, we get side boobs. Blame the Devs and publishers and not BG2.
