People hate 1.9 because it's completely different. Of course people who have been playing 1.8< PvP will not enjoy at the start, but it just takes time to get used to.
I never played PvP before 1.9 so I can't relate to how players find the change but in my opinion the combat system now is a major upgrade to previous versions.
If people were to just spend a little time to practice the new combat then I believe they would find it a lot better.
Search on YouTube for some 1.9 PvP tips, there's plenty of clips there that will help you improve.
Of course some people will never bother trying to play 1.9 as it is a massive change and people dislike change :P
I never played PvP before 1.9 so I can't relate to how players find the change but in my opinion the combat system now is a major upgrade to previous versions.
If people were to just spend a little time to practice the new combat then I believe they would find it a lot better.
Search on YouTube for some 1.9 PvP tips, there's plenty of clips there that will help you improve.
Of course some people will never bother trying to play 1.9 as it is a massive change and people dislike change :P