I actually quite like what AT did with the space they had. The Smiler looks wild, aggressive, and down right shit-ifying but at the same looks amazing to ride, especially when you hit the airtime hills.
I have to admit, during construction when I saw the brake fins on the vertical lift hill I thought they would be used as part of a controlled rollback along with being a new anti-rollback device. It would shorten the amount of time waiting at the bottom of the lift hill but provided a thrilling aspect while waiting for a new train to hit the first lift hill.
But still, I applaud Alton for the coaster that they have provided us with and I plan on making a trip to see it in late-August .