On my Elementalist and my Thief, I always ran custom builds (and no cookie butter, until my S/D Thief build became popular), and I'm fine.
Because GW2 combat system can be very forgiving, you have more margin to create effective builds, so go ahead.
Very same reason I've only ever released one of my builds.
To OP.
There are very very very very very many different (albeit sometimes very slight) builds/ variants of builds that are FAR more efficient than their "cookie-cutter" counter-parts.
Just use cookie-cutter builds to enhance your understanding of the class and it's systems/ mechanics. From there, have a goal in mind when creating a build and try it out until you tighten any possible loose ends.
If the argument is that casuals don't need the highest stat gear then why do hardcore players who are the most experienced and usually know a lot more about the game need even more stats to play the game? It's like arguing that poor people can do without tax breaks but giving those breaks to the rich.
I really like the idea of hunting "bosses" except i think it should be some of the Champion mobs that can be found throughout each zone.
I really feel disappointed when i go through some sort of weird tunnel in order to find out the only thing by the end of it is a Champion mob that gives absolute nothing of value.
Making it so that the mob you are hunting is not described of where exactly it is would add some extra fun too.
I hear a lot of whining on the forums. Okay, fair enough, I expect that. However, these people that have problems with the game towards the point that they regret their purchase are beginning to think that they are part of the majority. They couldn't be more wrong.
I'd just like to take a moment here to say something for the silent majority.
We love this game.
We're having lots of fun.
Yeah, there are some bugs that suck, but for the most part, it's a great way to spend a few hours.
Sorry if you thought we didn't like it, but we do. Sorry if you thought ANet is losing customers left and right, but they aren't. They have us. So whine. Complain and threaten and troll and do whatever you wish. Just know that you are a minority, a hedge case, and just because you don't love this game, doesn't mean we don't.
I'm not saying this game is perfect. I'm saying that I agree with the design decisions and the direction. If you don't, please play something else, because you're going to ruin it for us.