It never fails to surprise how the expectations seem to get blown out of proportion, true enough.I have no idea how this comes as a surprise to anyone.
The game released 9 months ago and it's still not what it should've been had they stuck to "when it's ready". Don't get me wrong, had the game released in the state it currently is with patch 1.3 it would've been far more acceptable. Yet, we aren't looking at a polished product at this point in time.
The game was, at the very least, released 9 months too early. The original plan for the next-gen patch was this summer if I remember correctly. Everyone should really expect it to be pushed back significantly. I would be extremely surprised if they did release it before 2022.
Also, people need to temper their expectations about this next-gen upgrade. Especially people on PC who expect it to be some massive graphical overhaul on PC. Chances are it'll be mostly aimed at next-gen consoles with very little effect on PC. It's not going to be some game changer that some people seem to expect it, or at least want it, to be.
If I recall correctly the game was developed with intend for usage on PC and CDPR understimated the difference between PC and PS4/XB1 era.
The game exists basically in the PC-version, temporarily (I hope for PC users) downgraded to make PS4 work. Whenever this next-gen upate comes, it'll most likely be splitted into the PS4/XB1 version and the PC/PS5/XS1 version and mostly like will go back to what the original PC version looked like when it came out.
Which, if you ask me, it not a bad look by any means.
I agree however fully with your assessment and also think the entire next-gen update wont be here this year, and maybe only arrive halfway next year. I won't be surprised in the slightest looking back over the past 9 months.
I do have the faith they'll get it done, but people seriously need to get a grip on time and patience. (and yes, I know that is difficult)