I felt similarly about the Priestess. I wanted to murder her so badly after the first time she tricked me. Anders had to happen just because that was a crucial point of the plot; it could have been handled better, but I wasn't bothered by the railroad necessary for that to happen. I also agree that the Acts jumping between years was jarring.

My main complaint was about the lack of a compelling reason for my Hawke to stay in Kirkwall. Literally in Act 2 and Act 3, I thought to myself, "Why am I still here? This place brings me nothing but misery."