It definitely feels like this is a bit early to make such sweeping claims, but I do agree that there's something about the new version that is unlikable, for me personally; facial expressions, voice? I don't know what it is.
One thing I think you got wrong, is that I don't think they changed their minds at all about the white hair on the devil trigger. I think that was kind of obviously their plan all along. It's a prequel about him first discovering the full extent of his powers and who he is. Even though it's a reboot, you're supposed to get the sense that every time he goes devil trigger, he's one small step closer to becoming the Dante we all know from the previous games. If for some crazy reason Ninja Theory makes another of these, I'd expect Dante to have full white hair by the end and be similar to the older Dante.
You're right though, the dialogue is a special brand of bad, and the character comes off as smug and mean-spirited instead of cool and playful. You had some good points, but it's just way too early to say, especially about the story.
For sure though, the environments and the platforming look extremely good. I guess we'll see how it all turns out. While the whole Fox News thing is kind of stupid, I'm open to giving it a shot. I'm open to seeing someone criticize obesity and fast food. It may completely fall flat, but we'll have to see.