In my mind Kishimoto was forced to do this, how could he ruin his own manga otherwise? As bad a writer as he might be, it's obvious he was building up to a NaruSaku ending.
I've been reading the comments in the NS threads on 2ch and I've got to say they're quite mild. There is disappointment but few (if any) mention Kishimoto directly. I never visit 2ch though so I don't claim any knowledge of its culture and community, it was just a thought.