The initial reveal for WW was absolute ass and even had Link doing a "wink" to the audience. Go actually watch it, it was looney toons.
If the initial reveal showed what the game was actually going to be with sailing and it's oceanic landscapes/islands, it would have had better buzz even with it's detractors.
You know, sometimes companies just market things poorly. It doesn't help that this came AFTER the Ganon vs. Link reveal in 2000. Maybe a little understanding as to why fans had such expectations rather than just dismissing an entire fanbase as close-minded.
the backlash to realistic Ocarina of Time is so funny when you remember how the gaming community reacted to this