They're wrong and they probably don't have any real game design exp. I can think of a ton of ways this could have been done effectively while retaining the games core themes and intentions.

Not only that, it's a focus on the most basic elements of Link's mechanics. The most memorable LoZ bosses always involve really clever uses of a diverse toolkit, and the slashy part is what you do cutting the grass. Definitely let's down the rest of the game a bit.