I feel reviews focusing on the "time-waster" aspect of the game are barely scratching the surface of the game's merits or flaws, too. Sure, you keep playing it, but what does it change in you? What does it matter? It's probably my favorite game in years, but I do believe this is not what we should be talking about.

@Palas interesting point. You are right : most critics talked about the game as an addictive game. Regarding Balatro : I didnt find his "core" very interesting, mostly because I found it "luck based". The "core mechanic", of the game, in my opinion, is to show the player that "they are almost there, that they can almost win". It pulls the "gambling" triggers.
BTW, i'm still playing it and maybe i'll find some deep and profund mechanics in it. I seriously doubte about it at this point.