I understand the Kings Dominion hate, but I also think those who hate it are failing to see that there's more to this hobby than seeking out the best of the best. Kings Dominion is a really odd park, filled with an unusual assortment of rides, and that alone makes it worth traveling for. On top of that, it has a couple of hidden gems.
The main problem with KD is the unbearable sun. In Virginia's southern heat at the times of year most people will travel to parks, it can be absolutely horrible. Heat ruins days at parks at the best of times, but couple the lack of shade with the fact that two of their best rides have horrible indoors sections with no air conditioning, and it's easy to see why the park gets slated as it does. There's no excuse for this I guess.
I strongly recommend doing KD in the afternoon into the evening. Because otherwise, by mid afternoon you'll have had enough and want to go home.
But yeah, Kings Dominion is underrated, it's just a shame most people visit it in the worst possible conditions.