I get some of the hate (Michael Fox and Evangeline Lilly aren't the finest actors of their generation by any means), but I think the show gets some really solid performances from their actors. For a show that falls back on genre so much, both the writing, directing and a lot of the acting keeps the show's feet on the ground. It's not naturalistic, but it's effective. And I'm with you that Terry O'Quinn, Ken Leung and Josh Holloway are by far the best the show. And even those who aren't the most compelling on the show have had their moments: Elizabeth Mitchell in season 5, Naveen Andrews whenever he goes badass, Jorge Garcia when he goes crazy, Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim are great together and Henry Ian Cusick all the time (when he's guest staring) as Desmond.
And while I'm handing out praise, Madison the dog for her portrayal of the imperfect yet compelling soul known as Vincent. I'd give anything to take her on Inside the Animal Actor's Studio. What was her motivation? Was it a treat? Or was it something deeper... the existential treat, the validation of one's existence by one's master?
BOOM! SNL sketch. HIRE ME LORNE MICHAELS! Okay, I don't know what this post has become. I apologize for wasting your time. The fact that you spent precious, valuable life reading this makes me sad. I'm sorry. And yet, my ego compels me to click "post." Enough mucking about. Here it goes.