I'm never sure why the Russian's are criticised for preferring their version when it's been created for their specific culture. Of course they're going to prefer it!

I haven't been around enough to see anybody criticizing it. That's just silly, as you say! Of course the majority are going to like something better that was created specifically for them to like! I'm sure there were some Russian fans who were upset at the changes to the canon, just like there always are.

I've only come across people who don't want to watch it because they don't think they'll be able to get past the fact that it's in Russian. Some of them the fans have managed to win over, though, and they ended up adoring it too :D

Partly to do with Britain (understandably) wanting to assert authority over a British product, but also perhaps, a knee-jerk negativity to all things Soviet era?

Yep, could be. I think I might be too young (or I grew up without any particular influence) but I never heard the cold war "Russians are the enemy" thing. I had to have Rocky and Bullwinkle explained to me because I didn't realize Boris and Natasha had anything to do with politics XD

I love your nerdness! It makes for the best posts!