I have definitely given the previous Collective albums a shot and have always ended up annoyed by them. They were always big on a lot of ideas and very little focus. This is the first one where it feels as though they're starting to figure out their formula a bit.
For me, albums that initially hit me as "I don't know how I feel about this" often mean that they're challenging me with new ideas and I usually end up developing a deep affection for them. 'Feels' is definitely one of those records - it took me a good ten listens before I knew I loved it.
As for the liking something just because it's "cool" or assumptions of shit taste - these are generalizations that I don't think should be applicable to you guys. Like it or don't like it!