There's issues with all types of development and not just City place. For example I was visiting 18 yonge and management doesn't seem to care there are flies all over their entrance hallway. I wondered if I breathed in any while I was standing there. Also, I heard the city was chasing after the owner for property tax. Seems the builder didn't pay property tax on behalf of the owner but collected the money. I didn't go up to the suites and amenities so I don't know the state of the building other than the front entrance.
If you want cheapening, infinity elevators were small and slow. I felt a bit claustrophobic. There wasn't a lot of natural lighting in their amenities area either.
I saw a unit at 66 portland street. Entrance was okay. The unit seemed unfinished because the ceiling vents and stuff weren't covered. The closet door creaked too. I don't know about the standard of the build (if parts break easily or not). The washroom cabinet (under the sink) seemed small.
I was also at the MET building. I didn't get any warm feelings about the area either. The entrance hallway felt small since I'm used to very tall ceilings at entrances. The suite was well designed for 2 bdrm, but I found the kitchen cabinets were cheapened and I notice hardwood floors might not be so good. They were a lot of noticeable scratches in the living room. Natural lighting wise, it was decent but not great. Maybe it's the direction the room is facing. I can't comment on amenities. I didn't see them.
I can understand why so many buildings are floor to ceiling glass. People might diss there are too many buildings with it, but people who live there will think differently. You get more natural light with floor to ceiling glass. You can save energy and also natural lighting feels ALOT different than turning on the light.
Also, the renters who complain it's cheaply made, chances are they might not care to take care of the place and break stuff. If you are careful and take care of the unit, it should be alright. I agree some units might not turn out so great, but I wouldn't say all units are bad. Also some buildings may be bad, not due to the builder but by the people living in the building. It all depends on the type of people there.