Couldn't be helped. It's rank sinked to bottom place and the only way to salvage it is to finish it as quickly as possible. I agree with the story should've ended after Aizen Arc. The other arcs were too pushy and offer no excitement. It's always fighting stronger enemies, grow stronger and prevail.
Until now, we dont even know what Ichigo wants in his life, unlike Naruto (become Hokage) or Luffy (King of Pirates).