I'm a OG and Plus fan myself, II has garnered more respect than it did when originally released. The game is difficult, true score attack game. I feel that's what keeps people from enjoying it.
My one wishlist is a Macross shmup allowing dynamic and instant transformations without relying on powerups. Neither of the OG arcade games had this ability, not even the lack luster Shooting Inisights game. Scrambled Valkryie did it right.