The modulars are today considered the flagship Lego product. The previous diner release was spectacular and was clearly designed by a senior and very talented master.
In contrast, Lego dropped the ball on this gas station buy allowing someone less experienced/talented design it and IMO ruin (OK interupt) the high standard set by previous modulars. If it was not better or the same standard than the diner, then it should not have been released IMO or should have been passed to an expert for final tweaking or redesign (or perhaps was a rush job).
IMO, this set will always be known as the one that did not measure up to the other modulars - it so clearly stands out. A shame really.