I should mention I loved Ghost in the Shell SAC. That was pretty awesome and happy-bear making. I am not 100% consistent though. I like some really odd things like Excel Saga, Gantz, Nadia, and a few other things it would sound like I wouldn't like. I am pretty open to giving anything a couple episode try.
But yeah you are correct, I do love a good story and character development. Some action, some adventure, a good story, a little fan service, and at least one endearing character and I will watch it.
Just don't have an "annoying, young cute, character that causes trouble and never suffers consequence" as a main character and I will hate you even less. Paiway from Vandred is a good example of a character that if I was inserted in to the universe I would murder with no remorse.