Actually I think the same about repetition of ME1 design. Especially the all planet missions. No really, they could do better.The hubs in ME1 are actually pretty good. Everything else is recycled crap. Same with ME2 and DA:O. They both have terrible, unimaginative level design. Look at Ego Draconis or Deus Ex for hub design done right.
About DAO: depends. Some level were ok some other... meh. Especially when you go into the wildings or the Fade. Or worse.... dwarven mine\Moria whatever it is. Damn I still curse that gameplay of mine