I too am a Child of the 80's (born jan 24th 1980 actually) and I'm really annoyed with what the Japanese do with Transformers. I understand that that's what works for them but I just keep getting dismayed at seeing. I consider it transformers in name only. It's not like the Japanese are short on series about large transforming robots, so I just consider it to be in that bunch only without the usual depth something like GaoGaiGar has.
And as such they can never get mad at us for trying to copy their awesome stuff with crappy remakes that "just don't get it"