While the mission's size can be explained by the fact that it was built for the Summer Speedbuild Competition, I think it's completely fine as it is (perhaps the outside area could be more detailed, but that's all). I wish more fm authors would consider building small sized missions (which you can finish under 1 hour), not everything has to be an epic 2-3 hours intensive thievery. I sometimes mind a bit that the more experienced and talented creators avoid thinking in smaller scale, but cons...
Hmmm, I'm not 100% sure about the "beginner's effort" part, but I can definitely see what you mean by that. In terms of quality the mission isn't too consistent (also there are a few parts which kinda have an unfinished/abandoned vibe), but I think some areas were really well built in terms of annention on details, asset placement, usage of textures, etc. (not to mention the wild ideas of the second part)
The very beginning of the mission is eyebrow-raisingly mean indeed (so much so I can 100% understand if anyone just decides to shut it down and give a 1/10 rating to the mission), but what comes after that has a special magic. I've got no clue what's happening either, the whole place is its own strange realm - and I genuinely think that is what fascinates lots of players. The (almost) dreamlike quality of the many places you can visit throughout the mission. Though if this doesn't resonate wi...
The production quality of this one is certainly admirable. I liked the city section and the multiple entrances a lot (even with its emptiness you mentioned), also - the overall atmosphere is really great. Haven't played the second part yet, but found the mission design very dragged here though. I bet ghost runners - or just... more patient players than me, apparently- can enjoy it more. But even with that, I agree that the mission deserves recognition.