I see your point, but believe me, were the graphics realistic, we would have far worse problems. Because in that case, the historic detail faction of the game community would be even more of a point of discssion, and many ppls would probably find the game to gritty (or not gritty enough, both would surely happen).
They decided to go the route they deemed best, and focused on the nice depiction of medieval times, as was age 2s focus aswell. A colorful middle age.
I see the complaints, but The game is still more about the gameplay. I nearly never didnt purchase a gae with amazing gameplay because I didnt like the art style 