I think one problem with the entire US soccer program is arrogance. It shows in all the announcers - they've really inflated themselves to a higher level than they actually performed.
On your first point, you're right. I might be changing the channel, too, if I weren't able to watch in HD. As far as that goes, the fact that all 64 games are provided by ABC/ESPN in high definition kind of glosses over the lame commentating, perhaps for me?
On your second point, I can't argue with you. So since I think Eric's the most arrogant of the bunch, I'll place most of the blame on him. :-)
(And speaking as a mom, I can tell you first hand that the AYSO program for kids is mind-bogglingly idiotic, socialist, aggravating, and intrusive. As much as I love soccer (and my kids love soccer) I refuse to let them participate. It's that bad. So the types of people coming out of that system and calling it great, REALLY give me pause. I don't know what's going to happen to American soccer.)