I'll be frank, I agree with most of the points here - I don't think this is anything new though, Toronto has always lacked the extermely well manicured streets compared to many smaller and larger cities across the world (I can think of many more then just Montreal and Vancouver, and I don't believe those are really good examples anyway - check out Melbourne). This isn't anything new though, if you're trying to write this off as a *new normal* in Toronto i.e. this is what is acceptable now that's far from the truth.
Now on to the other end of the spectrum - you've picked the worst project to make a good example of this - this project is amazing for what it is - those complaining about lack of extension to buildings edges that's private property - I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of these companies were asked if they wanted to participate and many simply said no (yes they're already paying for the rest of the project). I think over time this will change and we will have uniformity throughout.
In terms of the water features, yes those were cut back, it's unfortunate, but all projects face cut backs - this isn't unique to Toronto - the same goes for delays and over spending, while yes there are some valid arguments had that this occurs too frequently in Toronto compared to other cities, but. it does in fact occur in other cities as well, don't fool yourself if you think otherwise.
The ROM? That was a private project for one so it really says little about Toronto, and secondly, as I've stated many times, I absolutely love it the way it is and other do as well (not sure if they're on this forum though) - even with the different shades and all.
If you wanted to make an example, just take a look at Yonge street - that's pretty terrible.