it seems odd to me that someone would hate S7/S8, but enjoy HotD.

I feel like HotD has hits every item on the "i hate S7/8 checklist". And this is coming from someone who enjoyed watching S7/S8 and enjoyed HotD.

It feels like the both play up the big spectacle events and both have plenty of 'suspension of disbelief" moments.

I think S7/S8 hate is really based on the investment of time people put in over years, and not the actual content of any given episode. I get that there are plenty of stupid/goofy moments in 7/8 and that the writing generally felt a bit more like fan service, but it feels like HotD is the same way.

I think "cleaning their palette" with a new set of characters/some time away from the original is letting people appreciate HotD