I agree with you, Stephen. I'm not looking for perfection. I don't think I've ever played a game that's perfect (except for Chrono Cross, of course...). I just think there are areas in Last of Us that feel like a record skip during a rockin' party. These moments stick out in the worst possible way because the game clearly establishes rules that it wants you to respect and acknowledge.
"Hey, dude, be careful. Conserve your ammo. Keep your head down. Scan the area and move when you feel the moment is right."
"Uh, what about that dude that just spawned in the closet behind me?"
"GOTCHA!!!"
I like this game quite a bit, don't get me wrong. Remember, I LOVE THE CRAFTING SYSTEM!!!