How is Key ऐनीमे seen in the ऐनीमे community?

I've just started watching ऐनीमे this साल and I've been watching ones that are pretty well known, and that reasonably short (less than 2 seasons).

Some of the ऐनीमे I really enjoyed were Key Animes including Air, Kanon, Clannad (and After Story), एंजल Beats and Little Busters.

Some I'm curious to how Key ऐनीमे is viewed in the ऐनीमे world.

For example, is it seen as:
Too mainstream?
Too emotional?
Awful?
Really good?

Like I've कहा I'm new to ऐनीमे and I'm just curious what well rounded and veteran ऐनीमे प्रशंसकों think of Key. BE HONEST !