are some articles really worth writing?

The old vs. new angle worked great (both Bond and Scotland), and was pivotal to the feel. Otherwise you head back toward the mediocre Bonds. That is a huge part of what made it different. Also, what did you expect? Bond never to find his mojo again? He was knocked down in a huge, unprecedented way. (Again, what makes this film different and powerful in the Bond film context.) But just as the theme suggests (foreshadowed by the obituary, when M refers to him as an example of British resolve) Bond fights through it, even if likely for naught.

Lastly, The Dark Knight was a great film, but Skyfall is a completely different animal. They are compared because there are so few well-done, dark takes on classic stories — as well as truly interesting villains — in big, mainstream movies. Yes, Sam Mendes mentioned it as an influence… in regards to the fact that a big budget, wide release film could remain artistic, dark, meaningful AND entertaining. This film wasn't perfect. It did, though, manage to bridge the gap between fans of the old Bonds and fans of the new, deeper/darker/more realistic style. That might have been the most difficult challenge of all.