the derision of MI3 stems from the fact that it's not Ron Gilbert "endorsed" (or made from him). My personal opinion is that it's stylistically above everything else but I recently played 3 and 4 again and I have to say: The jokes in 4 are way better. Considering that part 4 is "universally" derided, this just means that it's best to make up your own mind (but for new players who are short on time: just play 1+2 :D).
We assume this one will be great because Ron Gilbert hasn't lost his humor and he recently delivered a good game with Thimbleweed Park. So he's most certainly capable (also other stars like the voice actor of guybrush and the musician Michael Land are back, too).
What's so special about the Ron Gilbert imprimatur? I think the first two games were good, but considering them as "auteur" works is wrong, since so much of what went into them comes from the contributions of many people (the art, small details and minor jokes, etc.). The overall plot and destiny of the characters is totally unimportant, not least because of its status as a farce.
These games (e.g. Monkey 1+2) weren't made by many people, they were made by a handful of people. Like 3 people for dialogues and story, so the impact of a single person is way higher than in AAA games. And as I said the great thing is that other "legends" return as well, like Dave Grossman (design), the voice actor of Guybrush and the musician Michael Land. So, this game appears to be a return of the old guard who made the originals. And let's be honest: As fans of the originals, who else would we want to be working on a new iteration?
Nonetheless, I'm with you insofar as other people (like Tim Schafer) could theoretically also make a great Monkey Island without Ron Gilbert. And also humor > story.
We assume this one will be great because Ron Gilbert hasn't lost his humor and he recently delivered a good game with Thimbleweed Park. So he's most certainly capable (also other stars like the voice actor of guybrush and the musician Michael Land are back, too).