Some of my flist loves it, some of my flist hates it (i.e, you and Zau), some of my flist likes it but still pokes at the flaws.

Well, if you try it you might like it but IT IS NOT A GOOD SHOW. Which is not to say you cannot enjoy it (I enjoy bad shows, occassionally, and I watch Merlin still). As you say the only way to know if you like it is watching it but whoever says it's a good show it's lying. I don't think quality is a subjective concept and Merlin is a very badly done tv show. That's the only honest advice I can give you - that it is very poor, quality-wise. You might love it, anyway.