I have mixed feelings about your revue. You did not mention that we can now forge our arrows which to me is a huge plus. Also, I hate to say it but I don't have freezing issues that go beyond what was there in the main game. If it totally freezes, it just reminds me I should step away and walk the dog or eat. Yes, it is annoying but it's a video game, these things happen. But then I am an old school gamer. I remember when we had to blow in the nintendo cassetts to get them to work.
For me, the most important aspect of Skyrim and Dawnguard is the playability. Which means I can play it over and over and not be bored. I decide what side I am on and what I will do today. Nothing is pre-set and I make the best of what they give me to work with.
As a side note, you said that the VL had limitations, cant pick locks, open doors etc. Well, as a wearwolf, where you couldnt do any of that and were limited to once a day, ummm live with it and work around it. -- Just sayin.