How is Key animê seen in the animê community?

I've just started watching animê this ano and I've been watching ones that are pretty well known, and that reasonably short (less than 2 seasons).

Some of the animê I really enjoyed were Key Animes including Air, Kanon, Clannad (and After Story), angel Beats and Little Busters.

Some I'm curious to how Key animê is viewed in the animê world.

For example, is it seen as:
Too mainstream?
Too emotional?
Awful?
Really good?

Like I've said I'm new to animê and I'm just curious what well rounded and veteran animê fãs think of Key. BE HONEST !