Very, very true.Combat is not the game's strong point to begin with. Exploration, and discoving locations/lore is where the game really shines.
IMO, to enjoy Morrowind, it needs to be taken at a slower pace and definitely not rushed through. If you don't take the time and enjoy the world, letting it slowly pull you inside it, in its strangeness, its openess, its intricateness, and in all of the good things about exploration, you'll miss what the game is all about and very likely drop it after a few hours. It is not a combat RPG, where you gain your greatest enjoyment from heated combat encounters; it is an exploration RPG, where you gain enjoyment and immersion (yes, that nasty i-word) from the journey itself through the world, from reading the many books, talking to people and stumbling on remote, out-of-the-way caves and whatnot while exploring this strange, new world. BTW, reading the books is also a requirement for getting the hang of the backstory and lore, which adds to the game a lot.
So, take your time when playing Morrowind. It's a different experience from Skyrim. It's a slower game, but no less of a great game. It's just a bit harder to get to know to and be friends with, but once you do, you'll find you might be friends for life.