Have I been too hard on The Fall?

Frankly yes. Upon further examination most of my arguments appear to be motivated by a personal dislike for Mark E Smith, based only upon transcripts of interviews with hacks, and occasional radio / tv footage, all of which have been edited according to some agenda or other. And wishing to start a Smithesque rant at some of my bosses at work. Which is surely a spurious basis for disliking someone. On reflection, and given my recent re-evaluation of his work over the past two days I concede that many of your points are valid, and The Fall have made no small contribution to music. I cannot, however, find any praise for his taste in jumpers though.