Naruto? Less thought provoking that Rurouni Kenshin?
Rurouni Kenshin was incredibly simplistic, filled with generic, one-note characters.
With Naruto, almost every character is given depth with a backstory that works with the series main themes one way or another.
Really? Well, I don't see it that way. Possibly because I've read the manga of Rurouni Kenshin which is deeper than the anime. But I don't care about the third cousin of the main character's sister's boyfriend, whether he had a tragic childhood (which is what all the backstories I saw seemed to be) in a show. I care about the main focus and the philosophy of a show. That's why I love Fullmetal Alchemist; it's about life and death and sacrifice, themes I love. Naruto... well, maybe if I'd watched it from the beginning, or if it appealed to me at all, I would see something worthwhile there.
But "de gustibus non disput", as they say.