I think that sword and shield doesn't deserve a lot of the hate it gets. I think that, while it is weaker than some generations that doesn't make it a poor game! The characters are very lovable, and it presented us with as much of a threat as any other pokemon game.
I would've wanted more plot, and a more meatier game of course- but it was paid off with interesting characters, OST, and pokemon I still got attached to never the less. A mediocre game that still made me happy, that's really all that matters.