In a way, I agree with most of what you said, but I also gotta say some parts are, like Section09 said, a bit off. I won’t deny that the work should be judged like any other anime, though, as it’s the result that’s important and not the work put into it.

The parts I’m referring to are the references to the plot and editing. You say it’s “a simple laundry list of typical Japanese story conventions,” but that’s hardly the truth. Generic shounen anime nowadays focuses its story around combat; the character development is based on their need to win and their difficulties while fighting. Cencoroll, however, takes the initiative to ignore that and purposefully puts little emphasis on the fights themselves and more into the moments between the fights (hence the emphasis on seemingly useless scenes). Keep in mind, though, that Cencoroll isn’t intended as an action-packed, heavy anime; it would be best described as a light-hearted and humorous work. The time spent joking around or uselessly lying in puffy mounds of flesh replaces the overused conversation sequences in other anime intended for the same public that are most of the time shallow at best, whilst giving an impression of deep reflection. In that aspect, Cencoroll backs up from the badass hero and emotional girl characters and goes for a more realistic approach, favoring the actual behavior and character of regular high school students rather than making them act like wisened heroes like most anime works do. The characters may seem shallow at first, but they actually act and talk like normal kids. (Although I admit that fighting giant monsters and seem bored at the same time is really going a bit too far.)

All in all, what makes the plot and editing good is that it doesn’t focus on the generic elements other anime would and doesn’t reuse the same old chains of events we’re all so used to seeing.

PS I see no problem with the uniforms because even if it isn’t detailed much, some schools really do take that simplistic approach in their uniforms; I myself wore the same design in high school, minus the neck/bowties. Not all schools have the sailor outfits we’re all so used to seeing and that’s just another element to Cencoroll that comes as a breath of fresh air. Realistically, there’s no lack of design in the clothing, as it only fits a realistic, although uncommon, style of uniform.

@smashingtofu – I believe it picked up backing after it was done. Essentially, it has backing for distribution.

@Section09 – The purpose of a review is to provide a balanced critical look, not to make excuses for a creator. I am comparing it to works done by teams because in the end, anime is anime. You can’t objectively put the uniforms next to the clothing in, say, Sugo Chara or Bleach and come away with the idea that Cencoroll’s plain white shirts and black slacks/skirts are anything but bland in comparison.

Your argument hinges on the idea that it’s not the creator’s “fault,” but this isn’t preschool and we aren’t giving out gold stars for effort. This is a professional work and it must be judged as such.

Not to mention this actually seems to have commercial backing.
I’ll drop by and add my two cents if I get the chance to see this…