In lieu of episode 4 coming out, I've seen even more comments that the series is getting too formulaic when compared to the original:
♠ Episode 1 introduces main girl and introduces the concept of idols. The scene with Chika watching ?'s is even in the same area Honoka watched A-RIse.
♣Episode 2 shows them struggling to form the club against the school president.
♥Episode 3 has a botched concert that turns into success at the last moment.
♦Episode 4 is recruiting the shy first years...
...And I mean, Episode 5 is titled "Yohane Descends", compared with "Nico Strikes!"
I personally can see this being a way to creating a structure that people are comfortable with, and working within that structure to pump out season after season, similarly to what shows like Super Sentai, Kamen Rider and Pretty Cure do. It'd be a way to compete with IdolM@ster's Million Live and Cinderella girls, but less overwhelming for the viewer since you get to learn 9 at a time instead of all at once. By having a set structure, they spend less time explaining the core ideas and plots, and more time focusing on the characters (At least in theory, haha.)
I've also seen comments that they are being to heavy-handed with the ?'s references, but honestly, its gotten me warm and fuzzy every time.
I mean, despite all this, I am still thoroughly enjoying this, and I have been eager to see Yohane in action since her design was first released... But I think it will be very interesting to see how the series unfolds when compared to the original Love Live!. It's been super cute so far, and I have pretty high hopes.