All within subjective space...

I agree with you on the first cast being more appropriate than the choices for the latter three entries, but I much prefer story, sound, directing and overall take on the X-men for the later three - by a huge margin.Yet, I do like X2, the second cinematic entry, only second to First Class.

Now I believe, all the stories are entwined, there is no reboot, but a somewhat complex tapestry of events. At least that's how I see it. The Days of Future Past entry seemed to wipe The Last Stand from ever happening, which to me was vindicating, since I find The Last Stand to be garbage.

The new movie neither garners my hype nor any negative expectations and i hope it subverts said expectations.