More on-topic, you've basically called him the best mic worker with decent ring skills. I don't see how that isn't main-event worthy because I completely agree with those points. I think he needs less restriction on his gimmick, granted. But his content isn't lazy, it's meant to be repetitive to garner heat. If you see someone weekly calling him the most must see champion and the best bla bla bla, you want to boo him. I'm not sure what "less hokey" means, so I can't comment there. His finisher I agree is pretty sucky but it's over, he's used media perfectly and everyone knows what the SCF is now.
Watch his altercations with The Rock, that's The Miz who is main-event material. Watch his promo with Stone Cold Steve Austin. Watch his segment with The Rock and Cena (upstaging both). That's my counter-argument FOR Miz, I've not really read and real criticism to respond to.