Since the thread is currently talking about exploration, I'll participate. The problem with SS's exploration is, as it's been said, it is along the path exploration, also known as "hallway" exploration. What's the difference between this and TP? Well, lets take the first non mandatory cave you run into in both games.
In TP, the first non mandatory cave is the cave in the Eldin province. You will pass this cave atleast three times before you actually have the means to enter it. However, even though you pass it, it is a decent ways away from the trail, meaning if you don't take the time to look around, you will not know it exists. TP's cave has a bolder in front of it, meaning you can't access it until after the Goron mines when you get the bombs. Inside the cave is a long twist of caves that still must be traversed in order to receive the multiple prizes within. The cave is dark, meaning one must also have a lantern and oil.
In SS, you pass the first cave (there's actually two) who knows how many times when traversing through the forest. Because SS demands that you look around the entirety of the woods AND the cave is right next to a trail, it is very difficult to miss the cave. There is a boulder, which means you cannot access the cave until after atleast entering the Earth Temple. Once you open the cave, there lies your treasure at the entrance.
Let's break this down.
TP
Pass by 3 times
Away from trail
Cannot be accessed upon first finding
Requires multiple materials
Treasure is given after challenge
SS
Pass by n times
Right next to trail
Cannot be accessed upon first finding
Requires bombs
Treasure is given immediately
Now this is an early part of the game and exploration does increase in both, but the point is this. SS tells you where treasure is, requires little effort to get the treasure, and gives you treasure almost immediately. It's a step down from exploration when compared to TP. (I haven't even done WW.)
All in all, if SS's exploration methods were more like TP (or WW's), I'd say that would be an improvement.