I have a habit of buying any game that Xitter gets angry about, so I've spent a few hours in it. While I think Nintendo would be well within its rights to try to challenge the game, I really can't be bothered either way. I'm enjoying people crying, and also enjoying the game, so it's a win all around for me.
I like the trait-rolling system on the pals, and base automation through pal labour is fun (though the experience of holding down a button for ages until you get more of them is maybe not the way to go.) A lot of polish is needed before they can really do a 1.0 release.
On a side note, I can't figure out how to get roofs on a building; they don't snap, and it makes me sad.