Not to sound too hipster, but I liked the original series better because of some of the reasons you pointed out. But I really liked the reboot too. The original series didn't feel like it was forcing in grittiness and drama. It also probably didn't last long enough to start sucking. I think the running off to find the arrow thing is par for the course in the reboot. There were a few confusing moments, but for the most part, they come back and explain those things eventually. You just have to buy into mysticism and destiny as being valid reasons. For some people, I think it's too much to pretend people as devoutly religious as they are were able to advance science far enough to travel between stars. Also, remember that starbuck is now a chick, so she's automatically more irrational than the old one.
I just finished Caprica not too long ago, and I think I liked that series better than either BSG. There were some obvious things I had to get over. Such as why the guns and cars were all obvious earth guns and cars. I gave them a pass on that because I figure they had better uses for their budget. I was pretty surprised at how they handled Caprica. Straight to DVD and no second season.
Why is this in the movie house? I thought they were doing a new BSG movie or something.