Yeah I think a lot of people are upset with the lack of character development and the general whipping through the story. You're right about Nynaeve and Lans relationship taking some time to develop.
I'm hoping that S2 is better. I'll go in with low expectations though lol.
I actually haven't finished the series yet. I'm only on book 8 so I still have some ways to go.
I've heard good things about The Witcher S2 but haven't started it yet. I didn't know the story before the show came out so I have no preconceived notions going in. I'll check it out some time soon.