Horses for courses on aesthetics; ever so, but I find the graphics functional and solid. I am for a fact getting better performance, even with larger scenarios.
Now, is it a huge upgrade over CMSF1, no, I would have to grant that, but I wasn't expecting one. Frankly, i was surprised they did this at all. The main upgrade is, for me, the ability to cherry-pick QBs and the fairly sizeable pile of QB maps that's included. There's also a fair amount of new weapon functionality and OOB scrubbing.
I had no problem reading the text and I don't see particularly well, as you know.
I've now been through a couple scenarios and am having a terrific time. Also, though it is far too early to tell, the A.I. is giving me a better fight than I remember.