You are right. The pyrotechnics was nothing to talk about. Not even half as close as NDP's. The performance was also slow and rather boring too. Honestly, I don't know what I was watching. I guess unless you're a VIP, then you'll get to appreciate the whole performance. I couldn't coz of the distractions around me.
Anyway, the entire Boat Quay was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO crowded!!! I got there at 7pm and "front seat viewing" were filled. I sat on "3rd row" and could only see the back of the heads of the ppl sitting in front of me. I got up and stood next to the concrete seats for the next 1hr and 45 mins. Viewing was better, but then there were some inconsiderate last-minute audience who rudely squeezed in. That totally messed things up. I ended up viewing the back of another person's head, who was one of those late comers. So unfair, right. I couldn't even take proper photos. In fact, there were a lot of other photographers behind me who probably ended up frustrated too.
If you're going there on Saturday or Sunday, be there early!!! Like at 6pm. If "front seats" are taken, go across the river where the Asian Civilisation Museum is. It'll get just as crowded, but not as fast.
And oh, fireworks on all three shows. But don't expect much lah.