From the start I've said, and it bears repeating because it's true and important, that the problem is the lack of development. Mfauli's complaint that the characters are shallow is because they haven't had the time to develop or grow on the viewers. Mumei's randomness is because there was no build up to her personality fluctuations. Biba's seemingly nonsensical plan was never explained all that well, and the loyalty of his subordinates, especially Horobi, was never given background.

I imagine if the execution had been much better, even if the plot arrives at the same exact spot as right now, no one would be complaining.

For example, why the heck didn't Ikoma use the berserk drug as a last resort? It would've been more fun to watch him look like a shounen hero for half an episode at least before he takes the zerk drug when cornered. That's a simple change that would make that development flow better.