I think that there's a lot of truth to this.
I enjoyed the crazy pace and halfcourt shots. All of it really. It's goofy and fun. 3pt and dunk contests were fun too.
Same. I'm normally the exact type of fan who would want, "in the name of science", to see which conference has stronger players in total or which ones shine against their peers, if given a few days' practice together and full intensity. That would be great. But even I can keep the perspective of "it doesn't matter, it's just for fun" and react accordingly.
The 3-point contest definitely holds up the best in terms of spectacle and entertainment. Sabrina / Steph was the highlight, of course, and I hope they'll adopt some "best 3 WNBA vs best 3 NBA" format or something that lets us behold the best women's players in a more consistent manner (the one basketball skill they have that is just as good as the men, frankly, is shooting).
Not sure the dunk contest really brings it out for me, but other people love it so I won't get too up in arms. The announcers screaming after a dunk, where I'm left feeling like "...okay?", just gets to me eventually. It's like canned laughter in sitcoms. I can kinda appreciate the technique and control required to do stuff like under-the-legs and windmills, or what it takes to (say) jump over Shaq. But I also feel like I'm not watching anything all that more special than what I get watching Jaylen Brown, when he makes a penetration dribble and the help is late and he just stuffs it in a guy's face. That has the benefit of being unexpected, competitive / demeaning, and really physically aggressive / maximum energy, which is what makes it fun in a game setting. Graceful runs up to the basket in free time, as if it's a high-jump competition in track and field, just don't move me. I would honestly rather watch a HORSE competition.