the characters are less grounded as the books have progressed. I get that you don't care for the growing powers stuff and the action bits related to that, but that is not mutually exclusively related with how grounded a character is or is written. Take the latest book... how was Kaladin's struggle against depression, Shallan's suppression/struggle against the memories of her past, Teft's struggle with overcoming addiction, Nevani's struggle with self doubt and thoughts of inadequacy, Venli's struggle to do the right thing and take action, etc., not grounded? Heck, that's what the latest book was all about. The action bits were secondary to all that.

I'm not trying to say you have to enjoy where things are going, but your argument that the characters have become less grounded over time is completely wrong, IMO.