Apparently, that's exactly what they're going for.
Aonuma said in a recent interview that they're trying to break the mold with Zelda Wii U.
(I can't recall the details.)
Which I actually find a little scary since I've grown pretty complacent with how things are now.
(And like you, I've played and beat every game... except Zelda II. T-T)
And what you say is totally true (at least for me) about buying Zelda because it's Zelda.
Even if I finish the game and go "Meh. It was okay." I'll still buy the next one because it's Zelda.
However, that kind of brand loyalty can work in their favor.
If they try something bat-shit crazy, fans will still play it.
And if it bombs, they might lose few, but people'll still buy the next one. (I know I will.)
You might also be happy to know that A Link Between Worlds is doing Zelda 1's "do the dungeons in any order" routine.
Though that's more going back to the roots than branching off of them. ^_^;



