The phrase "worship Sailormoon Crystal" is metaphorical, but I'll interpret it to mean why "Sailor Moon Crystal" does not receive the same level of adulation or acclaim as the original 1990s "Sailor Moon" anime series. Here are several reasons based on fan reactions and critical analysis:
- Animation Quality: Many fans and critics have pointed out that the animation in the first two seasons of "Sailor Moon Crystal" was not up to par with modern expectations. The use of 3D animation for transformation sequences in these seasons was particularly criticized for being stiff and less engaging than the fluid, hand-drawn sequences of the original series. This led to a less favorable reception among fans who were accustomed to the aesthetic of the 90s anime.
- Character Development: The original series, despite its heavy use of filler episodes, allowed for more character development and interaction, which made the characters feel more rounded and relatable. "Sailor Moon Crystal," aiming for a more faithful adaptation of the manga, moved at a faster pace, often at the expense of character depth and moments of personal growth, which some fans felt resulted in characters that seemed less developed or relatable.
- Faithfulness to the Manga: While "Sailor Moon Crystal" was praised for being a closer adaptation to Naoko Takeuchi's manga, this fidelity also meant that changes made in the original anime for character dynamics or additional plot lines were not present. Some fans who fell in love with these aspects of the 90s anime felt that "Crystal" lacked the same charm or nuances that made the original so beloved. However, this also means that fans of the manga might appreciate "Crystal" more for its loyalty to the source material.
- Art Style and Design: The art style in "Sailor Moon Crystal" was drastically different, with characters having a more exaggerated shojo manga look with larger eyes and heads. This style shift was not universally liked, with some fans missing the charm of the original designs. There was also critique regarding the color palette and background art, which some found less vibrant or detailed compared to the 90s anime.
- Fanbase Division: The release of "Sailor Moon Crystal" also highlighted a division among fans - those who prefer the manga's narrative and those who have a stronger attachment to the adaptations and changes made in the original anime. This division can lead to a lack of consensus on whether "Crystal" should be celebrated or not.
- Expectations and Nostalgia: The nostalgia tied to the original "Sailor Moon" series, which many grew up with, sets a high bar. "Crystal" faced the challenge of living up to these memories, and for some fans, it simply didn't capture the same magical essence, even if it was more true to the manga.
In summary, while "Sailor Moon Crystal" has its admirers, particularly among those who prefer the manga's storytelling, the reasons for its less worshipful reception compared to the original include issues with animation quality, character development, art style, and the challenge of living up to the nostalgia of the 90s series. However, it's also important to note that "Crystal" has been appreciated for its fidelity to the manga and for bringing the story to a new generation with updated visuals and storytelling.
ritual summoning Joan Crawford from the graveyard even when you're so totally wrong. 
& even Talentless Fool has posted some nice caps from S3 w/ positive comments on his pro-90s-anime motif thread - in principle, I don't believe anything can be 100% good nor 100% bad.