After reading what Owen wrote about Dennou Coil today, I feel inclined to agree, but his specific arguments seem lacking.

When I say that [Dennou Coil] bears similarity to [Haibane Renmei], I’m talking about how the conflict between the characters in the main arc are depicted. Isako’s determination to summon Michiko and open up portals to the Other Side wasn’t unlike Reki’s feather-dyeing and delaying of her Day of Flight; the two of them, aside from being in denial about their problems, are also running away from them. In the same vein, Yasako and Rakka are similar in the roles they play — not only are they protagonists new to their respective worlds, they also act as a foil to Isako and Reki, delivering them from their despair in a climatic finale.

When I made such comparisons, I was quick to point out that I realize how stretched they were, but Owen apparently wants to make them in all seriousness. I'm not saying Owen is there already, but by making more and more artificial analogies, one quickly retreats into Joseph Campbell territory of the meaningless.

Yet the same could be said of HR, which can still give any anime made in 2007 a run for its money thanks to its solid soundtrack and exquisite animation that doesn’t show its age.

"Exquisite animation"? The animation in Haibane was poor even in 2002. I didn't save the worst parts to show here, but have a look at Kana chasing crows. Reki's visit to the temple was farmed out to non-compliant interframers and thus dubious as well. I would say, ef imitated Haibane Renmei in the way its strong story overcame the lack in the animation department.

Contrary to what would be an almost unanimous groundswell of approval, it wasn’t the best of 2007 for me. At times it seemed to delve into intricate plot workings that would delight any Death Note fan in terms of an inter-connected meta-narrative, yet its greatest strength is also its downfall. For all of Code Geass’ shortcomings I’ve never had to read an elaborate outline of events in order to fully grasp the plot after I’ve watched it, and that’s how things should stay, with DC as the exception. I’ll keep my status quo and leave the reading of Cliffs Notes for Shakespeare, thank you.

Again, right sentiment, but directed at wrong target. Lain would deserve this treatment, but not Dennou Coil, because Dennou Coil has more than the convoluted plot to it. Heck, look at explanations SDB wrote about Vandread (of which the TMW is only a small part). Does anyone else watch Vandread for the tight plot? I wrote a character matrix for Azumanga, but I don't think it reflects on the anime itself in any way. Similarly, Transientem's work is only a fan work.

Dennou Coil has left me somewhat ambivalent too, but I'm still searching for the reasons which would be more persuasive than the above.