Brawl is absolutely gorgeous. Still busy unlocking characters. So far Cacophony, Zap, and I have unlocked Luigi, Ness, Marth, Sonic, Lucario, Falco, Ganondorf, Captain Falcon, and Snake. I guess we’re pretty much only missing Jigglypuff (wtf its always first to unlock), Star Wolf, Windwaker Link, Game & Watch, and ROB.
As for balancing characters, Brawl is much more successful at this than Melee. I actually feel like I’m playing an – almost – fighter. But we still have so much to learn!
Oh, and when it comes to customizing stages, this game is so simple to use. Just don’t play with a Wii Remote and Nunchuck. And if I wanted to complain about one character being unfair… it’d be Pit. 
I just wish I’d quit trying to wavedash.