So I finally got around to watching the premiere.
It wasn't too bad. Yeah, they had to gloss over some backstory because of time constraints. That's gonna be true for as long as they're restricted to two-parter stories. However, instead of bitching about it, I'd rather like to think of it as just leaving room for fanfic writers. The show glosses over a LOT of backstory. I don't consider this a terrible thing however. Just use your imagination, people!
Oh, and don't forget that this gives the official comic book more leeway. The less the realm of Equestria and it's history is explored in the episodes, the more they have to work with. After all, I do recall the authors saying that they can't really do something that's planned for the show.