My issue is the chaos that was Terminal 1 check in and security before T2 was built, especially in the morning. It's a far more civilised experience now in either terminal.
I have no great love for O'Leary and I cannot imagine what Dublin would have been like if he had had his way.
Value for money is a different story. As someone else pointed out no building in Ireland built in the early 00's could be described as being value for money.
But it certainly means a better travel experience and there is great scope for further routes/airlines as the economy recovers.