When I first played DI, I actually thought something was broken because it didn't look like the ball should be up there - like an air ball that fell on some plastic traps.

I actually like the pops in TZ. Most games have pops up high where there is little risk of ball draining. I like the tension you get when the ball gets into the pops on TZ. It also influences which shots you take and some risk/reward. I love TZ but if I had to complain, I don't like the ball launch. The skill shot is pretty neat but you are basically punished for doing it. The alternative of doing a full plunge into a scoop doesn't seem like a clean way to start a ball. Rather see it launched around the orbit but that's really nit picking.

I also agree about Congo and the satellite targets. Completely pointless. You don't get that many points for it, you are locked out of everything else, and it's a dangerous shot.